Counterterrorism and the neo-liberal university: providing a check and balance?

Abstract

This article considers the relationship between counterterrorist security agencies and universities in the United Kingdom. Normally, the two would rarely come into contact. However, with recent government demand that more be done to deal with the threat of radicalisation on campuses, an increased link has developed between security agencies and universities. But when such agencies engage with universities, their activities must be challenged and limited by the latter. Universities have an important role in acting as a check and a balance to the often draconian mindsets of those charged with ‘national security’. But today's neo-liberal universities, conscious of their corporate images, may not adopt such a role. They may even end up becoming an actual partner in counterterrorist activity that can then, unchecked, generate the very radicalisation that they are supposed to help prevent.

Keywords:

• counterterrorism
• neo-liberal university
• police
• terrorism
• University of Nottingham