Exporting Human Security in the Cause of Counter-Terrorism

Relatively high standards of human security can be anticipated in most Western jurisdictions. However, differentials between such standards and those prevailing elsewhere (including in Middle Eastern and North African jurisdictions) encourage a form of arbitrage whereby terrorism suspects together with their human security attributes are exported to the countries with lesser standards. This traffic in terrorism suspects can be achieved by an ever-expanding list of mechanisms, including (1) the choice of jurisdiction, most starkly illustrated by the creation of the Guantanamo regime; (2) rendition, including regular deportation and extradition (perhaps with assurances) or irregular and often illegal formats; (3) denial of nationality and even deprivation of conferred citizenship; and (4) exclusion from territory not only of foreigners who seek asylum or a more temporary safe site from which to voice opinions but also of citizens. Analysis of these measures suggests a number of themes to be explored, such as the centrality of place and movement within counter-terrorism and the continued prevalence of executive measures within counter-terrorism, despite a rhetorical emphasis upon criminalisation. The adaptation of immigration-type measures to aliens and citizens has had many implications for human security and has often traduced its universality as a value regardless of geographical place or personal profile.