Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 06/2009

Friend not Foe: Civil Society and the Struggle Against Violent Extremism

David Cortright

October 2008

The Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame

Abstract

Repressive counterterrorism measures have led to an erosion of civil liberties and human rights in many countries. The repercussions have been felt keenly by civil society groups, especially in the global South. Yet civil society groups should be treated as friends, not foes, in the struggle against terrorism.