The new EU counter-terrorism Agenda: preemptive security through the anticipation of terrorist events

ABSTRACT

This article argues that the new EU Counter-Terrorism Agenda is based on logics of anticipatory action. Three types of anticipatory action that are central to the development of EU counter-terrorism are identified: preparedness, precaution and preemption. We argue that while the original EU Counter-Terrorism Strategy contained a mixture of these three forms of anticipatory action, the new Counter-Terrorism Agenda places a renewed emphasis on preemptive measures with preparedness given less prominence. The reinforcing of preemptive security practice is most vividly reflected in the CT Agenda's new Anticipate workstream, which emphasises the utility of preemptive computer-based technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and algorithms, as key dimensions of the response to terrorism. The article identifies challenges of transparency and effectiveness that arise when applying computer-based technologies to counter-terrorism, highlighting the importance of regulatory oversight if the EU's commitment to the development of security policies that respect fundamental rights is to be guaranteed.

KEYWORDS:

• European Union
• counter-terrorism
• anticipatory security
• artificial intelligence
• pre-emption

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christopher Baker-Beall

Dr Christopher Baker-Beall is Senior Lecturer in Crisis and Disaster Management at Bournemouth University's Disaster Management Centre. His research focuses on European Union security policy, the issue of ‘radicalisation' and the merging of migration, border control and counter-terrorism. His publications include The European Union’s Fight against Terrorism: Discourse, Policies, Identity (Manchester University Press, 2016).

Gareth Mott

Dr Gareth Mott is a Lecturer in Security and Intelligence at the University of Kent. His research primarily focuses on the convergence of security, sociopolitics, and cyberspace. He has a particular interest in the governance challenges presented by novel technologies, including peer-to-peer software, ransomware and others. His publications include Constructing the Cyberterrorist (Routledge, 2020).