Terrorism is not a threat that we can eliminate entirely–but even more than a decade after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, some of our government policies seem to want to try. What does our overwhelming focus on the threat of terrorism mean for our democracy? How does the tendency to view problems through the lens of security change the way citizens interact with their governments? What are the consequences of sharing information across borders? Drawing on research on mega-event security, urban security, and counter-terrorism policy in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, this talk will investigate the complicated relationship between democracy and security.

Post Presentation Links:

Priest & Arkin, Top Secret America

Mueller & Stewart, Terrorism, Security & Money

Whittaker, Secret Service: Political Policing in Canada from the Fenians to Fortress America