Liberal Democracies and the Torture of Their Citizens

This book examines how liberal allies of the USA responded to the use of torture against their citizens after 9/11, comparing their actions to Australia, the UK, and Canada. It argues that civil actors were influenced by nuanced differences in their national political and legal contexts, such as national rights culture, the domestic legal and political human rights framework, and political opportunities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 25 July 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive book delves into an in-depth analysis and comparative study of how the United States' liberal allies responded to the use of torture against their citizens after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It explores the diverse range of responses exhibited by these countries, which are known for their shared political cultures, values, and alliances with the United States. Despite their close connections, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada took different approaches when their citizens were implicated in the War on Terror and subjected to torture.

The book argues that the responses of these states were influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including demands for accountability placed on the executive government by domestic actors. It examines how nuanced differences in their national political and legal contexts shaped the conditions under which individuals and groups were more or less likely to become engaged in human rights activism in response to the torture of fellow citizens.

The book begins by providing a historical background of the use of torture by the United States and its allies in the aftermath of 9/11. It highlights the controversial practices employed by the Bush Administration, such as waterboarding and enhanced interrogation techniques, which were widely criticized as human rights violations. The book then explores the responses of the liberal allies to these practices, focusing on their legal and political frameworks, national rights cultures, and political opportunities.

One of the key findings of the book is that civil society actors, particularly human rights organizations, played a significant role in shaping the responses of the liberal allies to the use of torture. The authors argue that these actors were influenced by nuanced differences in their national political and legal contexts, which enabled or constrained their ability to engage in human rights activism. For example, some countries had stronger legal frameworks protecting human rights, while others had more restrictive laws that limited the scope of human rights activism.

The book also maps the conditions under which individuals and groups were more or less likely to become engaged in human rights activism in response to the torture of fellow citizens. It examines factors such as the level of public awareness and opposition to torture, the presence of political opposition to the government's policies, and the availability of political opportunities for activism. The authors argue that factors such as these played a crucial role in determining whether individuals and groups took action to oppose the use of torture.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the study of human rights and international law. It sheds light on the complex dynamics between states, civil society actors, and the international legal framework in response to the use of torture. By examining the responses of Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada to the use of torture, the book offers insights into the factors that shape states' decisions to engage in or oppose human rights activism. It also highlights the importance of civil society actors in promoting and protecting human rights, particularly in times of crisis.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 170 x 233 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509930067