Theoretical and Practical Issues in Preventing and Fighting Terrorism in the Republic of Latvia and the European Union. Summary of the Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

The topic of the doctoral thesis is “Theoretical and Practical Issues in Preventing and Fighting Terrorism in the European Union and the Republic of Latvia”. The aim of the study is to identify the criminal-law framework and practical situation in respect of prevention and restriction of terrorism, consider the possible problems, and analyse the international and national regulatory framework. The thesis examines practical solutions offered by national authorities for fighting terrorism and dealing with the aftermath of acts of terrorism, as well as possibilities of international collaboration within the European Union. Structure of the thesis is created on the basis of logic, aims and objectives of the conducted study. The doctoral thesis consists of introduction, seven chapters and sub-chapters, conclusion, list of references, and eight appendices. Introduction of the thesis explains topicality of the subject, identifies aims, objectives, object and subject of the study, as well as the employed scientific methods and methodology. The first chapter of the thesis looks into theoretical problems of terrorism, the concept and essence of terrorism, development of definition, as well as difficulties and contradictions in trying to find a uniform approach to defining terrorism as a phenomenon. Criminal activities, which are inherent in organised crime groups and similar to terrorism, are not considered separately in the thesis. The second chapter deals with potential of the threat of terrorism, decisive factors affecting it in the European Union and Latvia: external and internal factors of the threat of terrorism. The third chapter examines issues in the criminal-law framework both at international and national levels. The criminal–law framework and the framework of criminal proceedings significantly affect development of European Union law, which is oriented towards harmonisation of law and promotion of cross-border cooperation. The fourth chapter of the doctoral thesis is devoted to psychological aspects of terrorism, and possibilities of using knowledge to plan preventive activities for restriction of terrorism. The fifth chapter of the thesis considers issues of anti-terrorism. If terrorism is recognised as a global threat to democratic society, its counter-measures must also be organised appropriately. The sixth chapter of the thesis studies the Latvian system for prevention of terrorism and prospects of its optimisation. This chapter also identifies the competence of the responsible public authorities in crisis management pertaining to terrorism in Latvia. The seventh chapter of the doctoral thesis focuses on human right issues related to fight against terrorism. As the threat of terrorism and terrorist attacks becomes more pronounced in EU, several member states have adopted new law for fighting terrorism. Such anti-terrorism law must be in compliance with the requirements of norms of human rights. At the end of the thesis conclusions are drawn with regard to the threat of terrorism in the European Union and Latvia in the short and medium term. Several proposals are put forward for necessary amendments to the Latvian regulatory framework in respect of restricting development of terrorism, and imputation of liability for involvement in terrorist activities.