The War on Terror and the Erosion of American Democracy

The War on Terror, launched in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, has had a profound impact on American democracy. This article explores the ways in which the war has eroded civil liberties, expanded executive power, and undermined the rule of law.

Taking Liberties: The War on Terror and the Erosion of American Democracy

by Susan N. Herman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2157 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Civil Liberties

The War on Terror has led to a significant erosion of civil liberties in the United States. In the name of national security, the government has implemented a number of policies that have curtailed the rights of Americans.

One of the most controversial of these policies is the Patriot Act, which was passed in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. This law gave the government sweeping new powers to detain and interrogate suspects, and to conduct electronic surveillance without a warrant.

The Patriot Act has been used to justify a wide range of abuses, including the indefinite detention of American citizens without charge, the use of torture, and the warrantless wiretapping of millions of Americans.

Another policy that has eroded civil liberties is the use of drones to target suspected terrorists. This program has resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, and it has raised serious concerns about the government's accountability for its actions.

Executive Power

The War on Terror has also led to a significant expansion of executive power. In the name of national security, the president has assumed sweeping new powers that have eroded the checks and balances that are essential to a democratic system.

One of the most significant expansions of executive power has been the use of signing statements. These statements allow the president to interpret laws as he sees fit, even if his interpretation contradicts the intent of Congress.

Signing statements have been used to justify a wide range of actions, including the use of torture, the indefinite detention of American citizens without charge, and the warrantless wiretapping of millions of Americans.

Another expansion of executive power has been the use of executive orders. These orders allow the president to make law without the approval of Congress. Executive orders have been used to implement a wide range of policies, including the creation of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, the establishment of the no-fly list, and the authorization of the use of drones to target suspected terrorists.

Rule of Law

The War on Terror has also undermined the rule of law in the United States. In the name of national security, the government has repeatedly violated its own laws and the Constitution.

One of the most egregious examples of this is the use of torture. Torture is illegal under both domestic and international law, but the government has used it extensively in the War on Terror.

Another example of the government's disregard for the rule of law is the use of indefinite detention. The government has detained hundreds of American citizens without charge or trial, and it has refused to release them even after courts have ordered their release.

The government's disregard for the rule of law has created a dangerous precedent. It has shown that the government is willing to violate its own laws and the Constitution in the name of national security.

The War on Terror has had a profound impact on American democracy. It has eroded civil liberties, expanded executive power, and undermined the rule of law. These developments have created a dangerous precedent that could threaten the future of democracy in the United States.

It is essential that we learn from the mistakes of the past and that we take steps to protect our democracy. We must demand that the government respect our civil liberties, limit the power of the executive branch, and uphold the rule of law.

Taking Liberties: The War on Terror and the Erosion of American Democracy

by Susan N. Herman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2157 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE