The dilemma of combating terrorism in democratizing states: a case study of the Republic of Uganda

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the dilemmas that both democratic and democratizing states face while dealing with terrorism-related problems. This problem has been equally pressing to a country like Uganda because it has been experiencing the problem of terrorism while undergoing the process of democratization. Much of the discussion boils down to whether and at what point forceful measures against terrorism protect or imperil the democracy. The challenge is how to balance counterterrorism measures and uphold democratic principles. The thesis discusses various approaches and experiences used by democratic states, using the United States and the United Kingdom as examples in tackling the problem of terrorism. From a policy perspective, immediately after 9/11, leaders from the United States and the United Kingdom introduced broad new authorities and legal measures in such laws as the U.S. Patriot Act and The Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act of 2001 of the UK. Using the experiences of these countries, Uganda adopted similar approaches by introducing the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002, through which counterterrorism efforts have been handled. This study concludes by identifying some of the contradictions brought about by the new policies and examining their impact on both developed democracies and democratizing states like Uganda.