Constructions of Effectiveness and the Rationalization of Counterterrorism Policy
The Case of Biometric Passports
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12408161 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Hendrik Hegemann (0000-0001-5911-3315, Universität Hamburg, corresponding author), Martin Kahl (Universität Hamburg) |
| Year | 2014 |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 199-218 |
| Publication date | 2014-11-11 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Studies in Conflict and Terrorism (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1057-610X • E-ISSN: 1521-0731 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/1057610x.2014.982384 |
| OpenAlex | W2036625232 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
This article argues that counterterrorism effectiveness is a distinct, discursive construction that politicians use to offer a rationalization of measures adopted under conditions of inherent uncertainty. Even in the face of multiple limits of knowability, decision makers need to offer “rational” justifications complying with persisting expectations of “evidence-based” policy and sound deliberation in modern societies. This article develops a new perspective on the political role of counterterrorism effectiveness highlighting the symbolic importance of knowledge claims and prevailing standards of modern rationality. It illustrates its arguments through a case study on the justification of biometric passports as an effective counterterrorist tool
Biometrics · Computer security · Deliberation · Economics · Epistemology · Face (sociological concept · Law and economics · Political science · Politics · Positive economics · Rationality · Rationalization (economics · Social science · Sociology · Computer Science · Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies · Law · Middle East and Rwanda Conflicts · Philosophy · Psychology · Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Political Violence
| Citations per year | 0.5 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2020 - 2025 (6) |
| Highly cited | No |