Counter Terrorism and Social Cohesion

This book critically examines Australia's counter terrorism measures by looking at the country's legislative framework within the context of an international law framework and norms relating to human rights. It discusses the Australian governments justifications for the war on terrorism and sociological theories relating to 'risk society' as a way to explain Australia's counter terrorism policies and the impact of the war on terror on social cohesion in Australia. It looks at the adverse impacts of the war on terror on Muslims in Australia and their sense of belonging in a multicultural society and analyses these developments from a sociological perspective. The book also explores the recent shift in the Australian governments' approach to countering terrorism, a shift from a coercive approach to tackling terrorism to a community engagement approach focused on building relationships and trust with Australia's diverse communities, particularly the Muslim community.