Democracy and Terrorism

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that what we understand by the term democracy today is largely influenced by such concepts as freedom of speech and assurance of complete security. The writer points out that as citizens of a democratic state, we take it for granted that our rights will be provided, that search and seizure will never be something to worry about and that we will be protected against harassment. However, the writer maintains that when certain threats to national security suddenly change the entirely scenario, one is forced to review the definition of democracy. The writer discusses that when government urges citizens to cooperate with the security measures being taken and thus compromises on rights to privacy, one has to consider the effects of terrorism on democratic principles and structures.

From the Paper:

"Terrorism targets the political structure and ideologies of a country. The primary ends are usually political in nature and thus when acts of terrorism are carried out the impact is naturally felt at the state and government level. This tends to hurt the democratic system almost by default. When terrorism activities escalate, countries are forced to take extra security measures. For this purpose, they often compromise on civil liberties- unwarranted arrests are made, people and places are search without taking into consideration the constitutional rights of the citizens and often people are detained illegally. In some cases, telephonic conversation is recorded, emails are scrutinized and other communication is also monitored- all in the name of security. When civil rights are hurt, democracy loses its meaning and democratic principles are shattered and this happens due to fear generated by terrorism."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bruce Hoffman, "Low-intensity Conflict: Terrorism and Guerilla Warfare in the Coming Decades," in Terrorism: Roots, Impact, Responses, ed. Lance Howard (New York: Praeger, 1992), 139.
• "A National Security Strategy For A New Century," The White House, December 1999, 2.
• Larry Diamond, "The Global State of Democracy," Current History, vol 99, no.641 (December 2000), 414-415.
• Grant Wardlaw, "The Democratic Framework," in The Deadly Sin of Terrorism: Its Effect on Democracy and Civil Liberty in Six Countries, ed. David A. Charters (Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 1994), 6.
• David A. Charters, "Conclusion," in The Deadly Sin of Terrorism: Its Effect on Democracy and Civil Liberty in Six Countries, ed. David A. Charters (Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 1994), 225.

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