Redressing a Balance Between Security and Civil Liberty

Abstract

The violent non-state actors (VNSAs) are one of the non-state actors that poses a new and challenging threat to the national security of liberal nations. Considering that the threats from terrorism, which is among the most significant categories of the VNSAs, this paper deals with the notion that a new balance between security and liberty should be articulated, sustained, and ensured. Taking such a contestation into account, the purpose of this chapter is to investigate how security and civil liberty are inextricably linked. It was aimed to point out why it is reasonable for liberal states to enhance regulations so as to protect citizens from the acts of terrorism. It is, however, also crucial for states that all of these measures must be proportionate and adhere to the standards of the rule of law.