Human Rights and Fighting Terrorism through the Rule of Law: A Global Perspectives

Current terrorism research is divided on the issue of whether or not democratic systems encourage terrorist acts. There is still much to learn about the “rule of law” in combating domestic and foreign terrorism. According to the author, a strict rule of law reduces ordinary citizens’ opportunities and desires to participate in political violence, thereby preventing democracies from becoming victims of terrorism. Several studies including cross-sectional data suggest that terrorist attacks are less likely to occur in nations with a functioning rule of law. Antiterrorist measures can be bolstered by the rule of law in democratic institutions.