Internal security and the new anti-terrorism act

Abstract

Securing internal and external peace, freedom and social welfare is one of the most prominent goals of a democratic society and its institutions. In Germany, as in other modern societies, security plays an important role in the public debate. After the events of 11 September 2001, security occupied centre-stage in the political debate. Security figured prominently in party manifestos in the September 2002 federal election, but security in a wider sense was at the centre of public debate. Nevertheless, new security and antiterrorism laws passed by parliament were also supported by the opposition. This article focuses on the security situation in Germany and crime prevention measures taken by the federal and state governments. It gives particular attention to the anti-terrorism legislation after 11 September.