Resolution 1373: an Attempt to Counter-Terrorism or an Opening for Creating Conflicts?

Abstract

The events of 11 September 2001 had a huge impact on the international community. The majority of the states agreed that they had to fight terrorism. The international response was made with the Resolution 1373 (the Resolution) in the aftermath of the attacks by the United Nations Security Council. The Resolution contains comprehensive obligations for states to fight terrorism. The Resolution was adopted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter and therefore binds automatically all member states of the United Nations. Because of its general and broad content, the Resolution supports the “legal” abuse of states. Terrorism is very often used as a justification for military actions for fulfilling political ambitions. This paper explores how the international level influences the national one and uses the examples of Russia, Spain and the United States to show how they use terrorism to justify military actions or infringements with human rights.