Freedom or Security ― The Consequences for Democracies Using Emergency Powers to Fight Terror

Independent scholar and consultant Freeman analyzes the experiences of four democratic nations who have used emergency powers to restrict or suspend individual liberties in the hopes of fighting terrorism more effectively. Coverage spans the 1960s to the 1990s and includes Great Britain's policy in Northern Ireland, Uruguay's response to the Tupamaros, China's dealings with the FLQ, and Peru's conflict with the Shining Path movement. The author concludes that emergency powers may be used effectively and safely under certain conditions but may be prone to abuse at other times. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

MICHAEL FREEMAN is a scholar of terrorism, international relations, and U.S. foreign policy. He has spent several years as a political analyst for the U.S. Government and is currently an independent political risk consultant.