ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the evolution of (Western) counter-terrorism since 2001. Three key trends are identified. The first is a strengthening of traditional CT instruments to cope with a higher threat level. The second is the evolution from a repression-based approach to terrorism to a more comprehensive approach, covering upstream prevention and downstream rehabilitation aspects. The third is the evolution towards a more coordinated response to terrorism, involving a broader range of stakeholders, at the national and international levels. This overall evolution, which is discussed conceptually and empirically, serves as the benchmark to analyse subsequently the evolution of Belgium’s counter-terrorism policy-making in the following chapters. Furthermore, the first chapter already anticipates on some broader elements of reflection linked to counter-terrorism policy-making and effectiveness, which are more fully addressed in the last chapter.
