The challenges of democracy in the war on terror: the liberal state before the advance of terrorism

Description

This book unravels the role of democracy after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and reflects important debates surrounding the security of Muslim communities in the years to come. It looks at the problems of torture, violence and the legal resources available to contemporary democracies to confront terrorism. While terrorism is often regarded as one of the major threats to the West and the nation-state, this book explores the notion that a disciplined sense of terror is what keeps society working. The strengths and limitations of liberalism are examined, as well as the ethical dilemma of torture and human right violations in the struggle against terrorism. This book carefully dissects the origin of the nation-state and how it keeps society united. The author offers a creative and unique approach to democracy and worldwide terrorism, exploring the consequences for the nation-state. This book looks at the connections between terrorism, mobility, consumption, torture and fear. It will be of interest to researchers as well as postgraduate and postdoctoral students within the fields of Human Geography, Politics, Media and International Relations. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Foreword Preface Acknowledgements Introduction How this book should be read References 1. The liberal state Introduction The liberal state The United States and capitalism Basic rights Democracy and the dilemma of torture: when democracy is not enough Rethinking democracy Conclusion References 2. Neoliberalism, consumption and poverty Introduction Formal standards of liberalism The ideology of enlightenment Social Darwinism and individual choice The society of consumers References 3. The rise of terror in the society of the spectacle Introduction The sociology of spectacle (explained with clarity) Tourism in the days of terror Dark tourism, post-conflict destinations and mourning in late capitalism Consuming death Criticism of the rise of Thana-Capitalism My reply to Tzanelli’s criticism Conclusion References 4. Is torture enough? Introduction The doctrine of lesser evil Another perspective Unveiling the Lucifer effects Terrorism and the nature of fear Democracy and torture reconsidered Deliberative democracy Is torture enough? Conclusion References 5. The dark side of technologies: the industry of fear and the apocalypse Introduction Law and order The liberal alternative The end of the world Is the apocalypse rational? The world of zombies Conclusion References Filmography 6. Terrorism, tourism and hospitality: dying in New York City Introduction The importance of tourism Terror in a mobile society Hospitality and terrorism Is terrorism tourism by other means? Methodological discussion Terror in New York: from the spectacle to the oblivion Conclusion References 7. Democracy and its faces: the problem of Islamophobia Introduction Preliminary debate The clash of cultures Islamophobia Discussing politics after 9/11 The last of the travels Conclusion References Index