ABSTRACT

This book examines the national and international law, human rights and civil liberties issues involved in governments calling out the armed forces to deal with civil unrest or terrorism.

The introduction of domestic military powers has become an international trend. Troops already have been seen on the streets in major Western democracies. These developments raise major political, constitutional and related problems. Examining the changes underway in eight comparable countries—the United States, Canada, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Japan and Australia—this book provides a review and analysis of this trend, including its implications for legal and political rights.

The book will be of interest to the general public, as well as students, academics and policy-makers in the areas of human rights and civil liberties, constitutional law, criminal justice and security studies.

chapter 1|4 pages

Introduction

Causes for concern

chapter 2|8 pages

A deepening international trend

chapter 3|25 pages

The violent historical record

chapter 4|22 pages

The United States

Sweeping aside protections against domestic military intervention

chapter 5|20 pages

Canada

Advanced military planning

chapter 6|19 pages

Britain

Preparing for disruption

chapter 7|11 pages

France

Troops on the streets to combat social unrest

chapter 8|18 pages

Germany and Italy

Post-war restraints eroded

chapter 9|13 pages

Japan

Creeping militarisation

chapter 10|26 pages

Australia

Legislating and expanding military powers

chapter 12|14 pages

Wider legal, political and democratic implications

From ‘terrorism’ to ‘subversion’