Terrorism and Human Rights

Terrorism and extremism have become one of the major security challenges of the modern world. The evolving security landscape driven by globalization, coupled with cross-border threats and the impact of digitalization, has taken on an international dimension. While the shifting security paradigm following the Cold War played a significant role in the globalization of terrorism, the rapid advancement of technology and the internet is also confronting states with new security threats. Another consequence of globalization is that it has created a platform for terrorist organizations to conduct propaganda. The acceleration of communication through online networks has complicated the fight against terrorism by serving as a factor that fosters radicalization via social media.

States’ increasingly stringent security policies have led them to become more active in developing surveillance systems, enacting anti-terrorism laws, and conducting intelligence operations. However, while security policies can sometimes create new social and psychological problems, the violations they entail may remain invisible, pushing issues such as human rights violations, discrimination, and social polarization into the background. Overly security-oriented policies are factors that can reinforce the psychological and social conditions conducive to radicalization in the long term. The perception of threat caused by these policies affects politics and societies, potentially leading to social polarization. Identity-based divisions may emerge, and the resulting crisis of belonging can fuel radicalization.

The importance of security is an undeniable reality, but human rights are also among the fundamental elements that must be protected. Repressive policies alone do not provide a solution; psychological and social causes must also be addressed. While counterterrorism policies aim to ensure security, they can sometimes lead to restrictions on freedoms regarding human rights. In particular, digital surveillance systems and data collection activities not only spark debates regarding the privacy of individuals’ personal lives but also create significant issues regarding freedom of expression. States may defend these practices on the grounds of national security, but when they are disproportionate, they can undermine democratic freedoms.

The human rights dimension is closely linked to the issue of identity. The perception of certain communities as potential threats—particularly issues like Islamophobia directed at Muslim communities—can undermine the sense of equal citizenship. As a result of discrimination, a sense of insecurity can weaken the state-society relationship and contribute to a decline in social cohesion. Furthermore, arbitrary detentions, violations of the right to a fair trial, and allegations of ill-treatment rank among the most serious human rights issues in counterterrorism processes. When this situation emerges as a problem, the democratic legitimacy of states may be compromised, and the principle of the rule of law may weaken. Consequently, public trust in security policies may diminish.

For this reason, human rights violations do not merely manifest as legal issues; they also bring about psychological and social consequences. This situation emerges as one of the primary factors increasing the risk of radicalization. Security policies are a factor that influences societal psychology and shapes political behavior alongside perceptions of fear and threat. Constant rhetoric of threat and the politics of fear create anxiety in societies and can reinforce the “us versus them” divide. The exclusion of certain groups can lead individuals to feel alienated from society and may create identity conflicts. Individuals experiencing a sense of social exclusion may, over time, feel drawn to more radical ideologies. Psychological factors such as the need for belonging, the search for meaning, and the desire for social acceptance can play a significant role in radicalization processes.

Furthermore, while some security policies aim to prevent terrorism, they may actually fuel radicalization in the long term. The need for social integration—which, alongside repressive measures, is essential for a genuine solution—highlights the necessity of policies that take human rights and psychological factors into account. A purely military approach is insufficient; security-focused policies fall short in the multifaceted fight against terrorism. In accordance with the principle of an ideal rule of law, fundamental rights and democratic values must be protected even while ensuring security. The conduct of surveillance and intelligence activities in a accountable, transparent, and proportionate manner is also of great importance for democratic legitimacy. Furthermore, strategies that enhance social cohesion and integration through education can have a significant impact on preventing radicalization. In particular, raising awareness among young people and strengthening social support mechanisms are deemed necessary in the fight against online propaganda disseminated through digital platforms.

Given its global nature, terrorism is of great importance in terms of fostering international cooperation among states and developing common policies grounded in human rights. A sustainable, lasting, and effective fight against terrorism is only possible by establishing a balanced relationship between security policies and human rights. Terrorism presents a complex issue, and with its global and multi-layered nature, it affects societies both psychologically and politically. The insecurity and fear resulting from instability can create polarization within societies, thereby weakening social cohesion. The primary duty of states is to ensure security—a responsibility stemming from the obligation to protect citizens—while simultaneously upholding democratic values. While excessive security policies may provide control in the short term, they bring new problems such as social alienation and an atmosphere of anxiety in the long run. For this reason, security policies must be structured with a focus on social harmony to ensure a balanced and sustainable approach to combating terrorism. An effective fight against terrorism is only possible by adopting a human- and democracy-centered approach that strikes a balance between security and freedom.

REFERENCES

• Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (2023). The globalization of world politics: An introduction to international relations (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.

• Hoffman, B., & Reinares, F. (2014). The evolution of the global terrorist threat: From 9/11 to Osama bin Laden's death. Columbia University Press.

• Kruglanski, A. W., Gelfand, M. J., Bélanger, J. J., Sheveland, A., Hetiarachchi, M., & Gunaratna, R. (2014). The psychology of radicalization and deradicalization: How significance quest impacts violent extremism. Political Psychology, 35(S1), 69–93.