| ID | 096753 |
| Title Proper | EU counterterrorism strategy: value added or chimera? |
| Other Title Information | value added or chimera? |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Coolsaet, Rik |
| Publication | 2010. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Europe did not wake up to terrorism on 9/11; terrorism is solidly entrenched in Europe's past. The historical characteristics of Europe's counterterrorism approach have been first, to treat terrorism as a crime to be tackled through criminal law, and second, to emphasize the need for understanding the 'root causes' of terrorism in order to be able to prevent terrorist acts. The 9/11 attacks undoubtedly brought the EU into uncharted territory, boosting existing cooperation and furthering political integration-in particular in the field of justice and home affairs, where most of Europe's counterterrorism endeavours are situated-to a degree few would have imagined some years earlier. This development towards European counterterrorism arrangements was undoubtedly event-driven and periods of inertia and confusion alternated with moments of significant organizational breakthroughs. The 2005 London attacks contributed to a major shift of emphasis in European counterterrorism thinking. Instead of an external threat, terrorism now became a home-grown phenomenon. The London bombings firmly anchored deradicalization at the heart of EU counterterrorism endeavours. |
| `In' analytical Note | International Affairs Vol. 86, No. 4; Jul 2010: p.857-873 |
| Journal Source | International Affairs Vol. 86, No. 4; Jul 2010: p.857-873 |
| Key Words | Europe ; Terrorism ; 9/11 ; Counterterrorism Strategy ; European Counterterrorism ; London ; European Union |