ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at some of the approaches developed by governments in relation to countering fears concerning terrorism. In particular, counter-terrorism initiatives involving police and communities are examined because there has been significant policy and practice development here. This chapter stresses that counter-terrorism done badly can increase rather than reduce fears concerning terrorism. For example, in the U.K. the Prevent strand of the government’s counter-terrorism policy has been criticized for focusing too much upon Muslims. As a result, Muslim communities have criticized government counter-terrorism policy for generating fear within Muslim communities that they are under surveillance. This chapter also examines the problematic nature of utilizing communities in counter-terrorism given that the concept ‘communities’ might give rise to an inaccurate image of inclusivity.
