Terrorism

Terrorism poses unique challenges to the liberal democratic state. The transnational nature of terrorism necessitates cooperation between and among states to address this common threat. Comparative studies reveal that societies of liberal states must provide consensus for those anti and counter terrorist policies adopted by the state. If liberal democracies take police state-like action in response to terrorism, then arguably the terrorists have achieved their ends. If societies must condone such policies, then those societies …

…with diverse anti-Western objectives and access to Weapons of Mass Destruction." [99] As the U.S. Commission on National Security proposes changes in U.S. national security structures, including a call for a homeland defense, it is paramount to learn from our European allies and that we not lose sight of what the terrorist targets - our legitimacy. [100] Liberal democracy is not just a normative concern, it is a security imperative in today's transnational security environment.