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Call for Papers "Civil Liberties, Human Rights, and Terrorism" Democracy and Society Volume 5, Issue 2 (2008) __________________________________________________ We are seeking well-written, interesting submissions of 800-2,000 words on the theme below, including summaries and/or excerpts of recently completed research, new publications, and work in progress: "Civil Liberties, Human Rights, and Terrorism" The terrorist bombings in London, Madrid, New York, and Washington, DC since 2001 have led many countries to reassess the appropriate balance between civil liberties and national security. In consolidated democracies, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, the exigency of fighting terrorism has led some to question whether extensive protection of civil liberties and human rights can co-exist with the measures governments need to implement in order to protect the innocent majority from terrorists that wish to harm them. For example, many argue that in an era where terrorist organizations have a global reach, policies such the USA Patriot Act in the US and strengthening the Prevention of Terrorism Act in the UK are vital for addressing the new challenges terrorists pose. Others, alternatively, view these policies as unnecessary infringements on basic democratic freedoms. Similarly, some contend that in many fragile democracies, governments have employed the fear of terrorism as a deliberate tool for reversing previous democratic reforms. More broadly, while terrorism is a violation of human rights, a number of observers maintain that many countries unjustifiably violate other human rights, such as freedom from torture, in the name of fighting terrorism, either directly or indirectly through rendition to less democratic countries. Finally, some claim the complexity of US Anti-Terrorism Certification Rules complicate the ability of the US Government and US-based NGOs to work with civil society organizations abroad, thus impeding efforts to promote political reform overseas. This issue of "Democracy and Society" will explore how nations are reexamining the balance between protecting individual freedom and ensuring national security in an age of global terrorism. We welcome submissions that explore how consolidated democracies, fragile democracies, and non-democracies are addressing this issue. Moreover, we also are interested in submissions that analyze how these policy changes are affecting foreign assistance programs, especially those seeking to encourage democratic changes abroad. Please email submissions (MS Word preferred) to: [email protected] Endnotes preferred. Please include your name, department or organization, title, and contact information. Contact: Barak Hoffman, Director Center for Democracy and Civil Society Georgetown University 3240 Prospect Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 USA Phone: +1 (202) 687-0592 Email: [email protected] Web: http://cdacs.georgetown.edu __________________________________________________ InterPhil List Administration: http://interphil.polylog.org Intercultural Philosophy Calendar: http://cal.polylog.org
