Download full text
(814.6Kb)
Citation Suggestion
Please use the following Persistent Identifier (PID) to cite this document:
https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-60121-5
Exports for your reference manager
From exception to normalcy: the United States and the war on terrorism
[research report]
Corporate Editor
Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik -SWP- Deutsches Institut für Internationale Politik und Sicherheit
Abstract The war on terrorism waged by the United States is in its 17th year. To a large extent, it has defined three very different presidencies and no end is in sight. In the time since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the initial shock has gradually given way to a new normalcy. The time seems ... view more
The war on terrorism waged by the United States is in its 17th year. To a large extent, it has defined three very different presidencies and no end is in sight. In the time since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the initial shock has gradually given way to a new normalcy. The time seems right to assess the US’s approach to combating terrorism – an assessment this study attempts to provide.
A key finding of this report is that the global war on terror is not only continuing, but that it is also becoming increasingly difficult to end. What began as a secret war is now firmly established US policy, both legally and institutionally.
In the early years of the global war on terror, US methods were strongly criticized by Europe’s governments. This criticism has now largely ceased. Detention without a trial, targeted killings, mass surveillance – all of this is at least tolerated, and in some cases even supported.
This development is problematic in several respects. Its consequences include the systematic erosion of human and civil rights; the concentration of decision-making power in the hands of the executive at the expense of the separation of powers principle; and the expansion of the national security state. Since victory is unlikely, the question of whether to continue supporting the United States on its present course is all the more urgent. (Autorenreferat)... view less
Keywords
United States of America; fight against terrorism; threat; security policy; domestic security; prosecution; military intervention; human rights; national security
Classification
Peace and Conflict Research, International Conflicts, Security Policy
Free Keywords
Vereinigte Staaten; Terrorismus; Bedrohungsvorstellungen (Sicherheitspolitik); Innere Sicherheit; Terrorismusbekämpfung
Document language
English
Publication Year
2018
City
Berlin
Page/Pages
39 p.
Series
SWP Research Paper, 7/2018
ISSN
1863-1053
Status
Published Version; reviewed
Licence
Deposit Licence - No Redistribution, No Modifications