The 'war on terror' and ongoing terrorist attacks around the world have generated a growing body of literature on national and international measures to counteract terrorist activity. This detailed study investigates an aspect of contemporary counter-terrorism that has been largely overlooked; the impact of these measures on the continued viability of the democratic state. Democratic nations are now facing an unprecedented challenge - to respond to global terrorism without simultaneously overturning fundamental human and political rights. The book addresses the critical question of whether, in the context of the 'war on terror', the national security imperative has compromised the democratic state.

This book draws together academics, public policy practitioners, politicians and journalists to discuss policies introduced by democratic governments which threaten the nature of the democratic state. It will be of great interest to graduate and undergraduate students in politics, public policy, international relations, criminology and terrorism and counter-terrorism studies.