Relatively high standards of human security can be anticipated in most Western jurisdictions. However, differentials between such standards and those prevailing elsewhere (including in Middle Eastern and North African jurisdictions) encourage a form of arbitrage whereby terrorism suspects...

This paper examines the three principal institutions of the United Kingdom’s intelligence apparatus, the Security Service (MI5), the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), and the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). It will consider the statutory frameworks that formally established the...

Four options for the reform of counter-terrorism laws are considered. In Stance 1, the counter-terrorism legislation is left as it stands. Stance 2, ‘ Steady as you go ’, involves the gradual dismantling of the special laws. Stance 3, ‘ No emergency, no emergency law ’ , was suggested by...

A growing body of international laws against terrorism is being implemented by municipal law. Indeed, domestic delivery is under scrutiny from the UN’s Counter-Terrorism Committee, which has the mandate of hectoring States into taking stern measures. In that light, it is not surprising that...

This paper analyses police and mass media interrelation in situations of emergency. The research is primarily based upon a close examination of the extensive policy documentation which has emerged since the attacks of September 11, 2001 with special reference to the United Kingdom. Following a...

Since terrorism is now perceived as a primary and pervasive threat to state security, many states have adopted broad legal definitions of ‘terrorism’ and, upon that basis, have enacted correspondingly expansive policing powers and criminal offences. As a dramatic instance of how these...

How have UK counter-terrorism laws and policies adapted to the phenomenon of ‘foreign terrorist fighters’? For these purposes, the focus will be upon persons linked to conflict or terrorism in Iraq and Syria associated with the rise and establishment of Islamic State (Daesh). This broad...

The paper considers 'Counterterrorism in the United Kingdom' with reference to events in 2017. While exit from Europe dominated British politics during 2017, the UK’s terrorism landscape grew closer to that of continental Europe because of several mass-casualty terrorist attacks that were very...

The UK policy of “Prevent” aims to stop people becoming involved in, or supporting, terrorism. In common with many CVE policies worldwide, Prevent has remained controversial in its conception, delivery, and impact. A formal review is now underway, so it is opportune to ask, “Whither...

The symbiosis between dream and nightmare now seems to be playing out with regard to the Internet. Some two decades ago, it was possible to dream about the benevolence of the Internet. However, the optimism is now beset by risks, abuses, and scares that have taken the gloss off the promise of...