Terrorism Extremism and the Law

Terrorism and Extremism are well known 21st Century terms, despite being largely undefined in law. Weaponized by the powerful, terms are attributed based on malleable current affairs and policy, as apposed to strong legal foundations. What one group considers terrorism, another may view as legitimate resistance or self-defense.

The gift of the 21st Century, the internet, has allowed the voiceless to be heard, for new societal ideas to flourish, and for different political views to become the next hashtag. History has taught us that with all legitimate technological growth comes criminal exploitation. The internet has been an absolute gift for extremist and terrorist groups like the Islamic State, and it has also allowed for divisive political views, islamophobia, antisemitism, and racism to propagate.

Policing these online spaces represents the challenge of the Century. But how do we strike the right balance between collective security, civil liberties, and individual freedoms? This book will critique the response of the international community, national governments, and law enforcement as they struggle through this political and legalized maze.