The Politics of Fear and Australian National Security Laws

The development and implementation of new security laws and law and order policies were catalyzed by the terrorist attack in September 2001 in the United States of America. As the members of the global community cooperate on the issues of security in terms of domestic and international conflicts and threats, it is necessary to analyze the reasons for treating threats of terrorist attacks in the current situation. It is easier to control a person, his/her interests, and values via establishing and controlling the fears. It is clear that most people are afraid of threats, especially those undefined ones that become a global concern.

For instance, the development of Australian national security laws is closely related to the concept of fear, including the threats of terrorist attacks in America. However, the undefined threat can result in chronic fearfulness of the whole global community, thus resulting in mass depression when people are not able to make adequate decisions and fight against real threats. Besides, the concept of ‘terrorism’ is still undefined in terms of its nature and potential danger imposed in the activity of separate individuals or organizations.

As soon as people understand that security measures and policies are built on their fear, especially when the principles of democracy are sustained through fear and American self-government policies stem from the determination of the fear-reason ratio, it is possible to discuss the adequacy of security measures and ability of people to act under the law on security measures. Nevertheless, people should know their rights and genuine reasons for governments and authorities to establish rules and policies aimed at the limitation of their human and legal rights.