Quick questions on Contemporary world order issue: terrorism and the rules-based order

There is no universally accepted definition of "terrorism" in international law. Multiple efforts at a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN have stalled, primarily over disagreement about whether national liberation movements are excluded.

After the 11 September 2001 attacks, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1373 (2001) under Chapter VII. The resolution requires all member states to:

Australia has one of the most extensive counter-terrorism legislative frameworks in the OECD, developed since 2002.

Counter-terrorism law sits in persistent tension with civil and political rights:

The use of force in counter-terrorism raises jus ad bellum issues. The 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan was justified on self-defence grounds under article 51 of the Charter following the 11 September attacks. Subsequent counter-terrorism uses of force (e.g. drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia) are more contested.

Strengths. Resolution 1373 created a global baseline for counter-terrorism cooperation. Australian agencies disrupted multiple planned attacks between 2014 and 2017. International cooperation between intelligence agencies (Five Eyes; Interpol; the UN CTED) is well-developed.

Resolution 1373 created a global baseline for counter-terrorism cooperation. Australian agencies disrupted multiple planned attacks between 2014 and 2017. International cooperation between intelligence agencies (Five Eyes; Interpol; the UN CTED) is well-developed.

No agreed definition of terrorism limits the reach of international law. State actors have used counter-terrorism language to repress civil and political dissent. The rights costs in domestic counter-terrorism law have been significant.

Chapter VII resolutions (e.g. Resolution 1373) are binding on all UN members.

The major Australian counter-terrorism architecture predates the Lindt siege (it was largely enacted between 2002 and 2014). The 2015-2018 amendments added powers (citizenship cessation, declared area offences). :::