In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the threat of terrorism has often been used to justify changes in policies, laws, and institutions at both international and domestic levels. This book examines the normative context of contemporary counterterrorism discourse within the legislative and institutional frameworks of an authoritarian state, specifically focusing on Ethiopia. It critically analyzes how the international legal and institutional responses to terrorism may inadvertently support authoritarian regimes in suppressing legitimate citizen demands and resistance. The central question explored is whether Ethiopia's antiterrorism laws and institutional practices align with international terrorism standards, human rights laws, and domestic constitutional principles. By presenting Ethiopia as a case study, the book sheds light on the potential risks of conflating the state's repressive actions against its citizens with legitimate counterterrorism efforts, ultimately questioning the effectiveness and ethical implications of such frameworks in addressing both terrorism and human rights.
