Between fear and the need for security : counterterrorism since 9/11

Longarzo, Fabrizio

Abstract

Following the tragedy of 9/11 the impression we had of international terrorism changed dramatically. It became clearer that global terror organisations were deeply rooted within national societies, and counterterrorism strategies had to be reassessed as a consequence. We also learnt in investigating 9/11 that ccontemporary terrorist groups have a fluid structure which can be a real challenge for policy-makers, especially considering their use of force against civilian targets as well. Counterterrorism strategies have also implied a certain degree of encroachment on civil society which is seen as affecting life styles in ways that a few years ago could not have been thought possible. The changing nature of terrorism itself and the consequential actions taken by governments in order to tackle this issue are requesting new points of view on this subject. This paper aims to analyse policy positions on the matter, specifically the Patriot Act approved in the United States in the aftermath of 9/11, and by focusing on this issue, it will demonstrate how terrorism has the power to deeply change public opinion and what actions are being taken by governments to inspire a sense of security in the population. The questions that need to be answered are, first, is the price that comes for security worth its cost?; and secondly, are the counterterrorism strategies endorsed so far are actually enough to deal with this complex matter?

Citation

Longarzo, F. (2016). Between fear and the need for security : counterterrorism since 9/11

• Working Paper Type: Discussion Paper
• Publication Date: Oct 18, 2016
• Deposit Date: Mar 30, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 30, 2017
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1699815
• Publisher URL: http://www.dur.ac.uk/alsabah/publications/insights/