DOMESTIC SECURITY VERSUS CIVIL LIBERTIES

In the aftermath of 9/11, the US government implemented several legislative changes, modifications and updates that focused on increasing domestic security. Many argue that these changes were overzealous efforts on the part of the government and resulted in the degradation of civil liberties. When you consider issues such as the increasing use of CCTV surveillance systems, the increased ability of law enforcement to covertly monitor communications, or the looming debate over domestic drone use, there are many different facets to domestic security that inspire debate.

On page 538, White (2012) states:

This [the concept of security versus liberty] is both an ancient and modern principle. When the Athenians were threatened with invasion, they were often willing to suspend the rules of democracy in favor of protection. They shifted the structure of open democracy to grant more authoritarian power to leaders in times of crisis and the power lasted until the threat abated (Finley, 1983, pp. 24-25). The Romans would follow a similar course in the Republic, creating a dictatorship in times of war (Mackay, 2004, pp. 27-28). During the American Civil War, Abraham Lincoln imprisoned opponents without informing them of charges, suspending the right to habeas corpus (Goodwin, 2005, pp. 354-355). In times of emergencies, some societies have been willing to sacrifice personal liberty in the name of security.

With this in mind, please answer the following questions.Are the objectives of ensuring civil liberties and maintaining this domestic security opposing concepts? What are some conditions that contribute to a favorable environment for decreasing civil liberties while increasing domestic security? Conversely, what are the conditions that prompt calls for increased civil liberties and decreased domestic security efforts?

As you craft your response, please ensure that you explicitly state your stance on which of these concepts supersedes the other and why.

Reference

White, J. R. (2012).Terrorism and homeland security(7th ed). Wadsworth Publishing Company. Belmont, CA.