Liberty and Security (eBook)

Conor Gearty is Professor of Human Rights Law at the London School of Economics and practices law for Matrix Chambers, of which he is a founding member.

Acknowledgements vi

1 Introduction 1

2 Struggling Towards the Universal 7

3 The Global Stage 30

4 The Enemy Within 50

5 A Very Partial Freedom 72

6 Cultural War 95

7 Returning to Universals 108

Notes 117

Index 139

"Conventional lawyers in particular may see Gearty's book as
controversial, but this is precisely what makes it essential and
compelling reading."

Times Higher Education

"Encompasses hugely important, wide-angled themes and does so with
tremendous erudition, lucidity, assuredness and power."

Global Policy

"Not just a profound analysis of the implications of security
practices for democracy and the rule of law, but a brilliantly
articulated indictment of such practices by an author who has
experienced at first hand and as a lawyer, in the context of
Northern Ireland, what it means for the democratic state to target
populations in the name of security."

LSE Review of Books

"It is breathtaking for a 146-page book to have as wide a sweep as
it does. The book is served exceedingly well by the unwavering
focus of Conor Gearty."

Hindu Times

"In prose that flows like a good conversation, Conor Gearty
contends that modern states, by collapsing freedom into security,
are undermining the premises of democracy and the rule of law. Are
liberty and security necessarily antithetical? Can they - should
they - dovetail? If security protects some rather than all, does
the same become true of liberty? Gearty advances profound answers
to some important questions."

Stephen Sedley former Lord Justice of Appeal

"A compelling and subtle study, offering profound reflection on the
necessary intersections between the rule of law, proper respect for
human rights, and the sustenance of true democracy. A brilliant and
important book."

Richard English, University of St Andrews

"The book is a fascinating reconceptualization of the concepts of
security and liberty within a democratic framework and shows how
they can both be ensured to all. It cuts through much confusion in
this muddled and ideologically loaded debate and offers a new
perspective."

Bhikhu Parekh, University of Westminster and House of
Lords

"Recommended"

Choice

"Liberty and security is a compelling read, which
makes an impassioned argument for a more expansionist vision of
liberty than most modern states entertain."

Ruth Blakeley, University of Kent

"...you will certainly be intrigued and entertained, if not
even inspired by this clear and spare but perfectly-formed read. In
Gearty's work, law and politics and research and rhetoric
come together to provide a book of thought and history and our
times and beyond. I have no doubt that will be read by all human
rights' folk, whether in robing or common rooms for many
years to come."

Shami Chkrabarti, Director of Liberty