Terrorism and the Use of Force: From Defensive Reaction to Pre-Emptive Action?

In: Sicherheit und Frieden: S + F = Security and Peace, Band 22, Heft 3, S. 146-151

Abstract

Terrorism has become a serious security risk. Due to the scale & gravity of some terrorist acts, it is difficult to regard them merely as criminal acts. The fight against terrorism consequently demands new methods, which can include even use of force. This article discusses under which circumstances States may exercise self-defence against non-State terrorism. It concludes that terrorist attacks can trigger the right of self-defence if such attacks are sufficient in gravity & attributable to a State. Anticipatory self-defence may be lawful if used after the initial attack in order to prevent additional attacks. But States may not exercise pre-emptive self-defence against terrorist threats. Adapted from the source document.