Growing intersections of counter-terrorism measures and the rule of law: case studies of the United Kingdom, France and the United States of America

Abstract

This study is an initial attempt to investigate gradually growing gap between counterterrorism measures and the rule of law with an emphasis added on a civil society. The study examines a controversial issue of terrorism definition which provides the grounding for further investigation of international human rights law violations. Thesis examines liberal democracies that used to be in the front of promoting and protecting human rights – the United Kingdom, the United States of America and France. Each country is examined separately, providing the documentation how states have reacted to the threat posed by terrorism and provides the extent to which counter-terror measures have changed the legal landscape. Flowingly the impact on a civil society has been examined in the United Kingdom at World Counter Terror Expo 2016. The methodology is a broadly based consultative process with professionals as well as supporting augments with credible surveys. Finally, the thesis acknowledges that current implementation of the counterterrorism measures deeply contradicts the international human rights norms. Finally, the examination argues that states take individual approach to a global issue putting in jeopardy human rights which has been evident within the civil society.