Some Aspects of Contemporary Inter-State Behaviour in the Context of Combating Terrorism

The brutal incidents occurring on 9/11 shaped the American administration’s perception of new forms of challenges to American values. The US is engaged in the war against terrorism that beginning in Afghanistan had been extended further to Iraq. But the invasion of Iraq based on so-called weapons of mass destruction (WMD) had also been prosecuted on the principles of “preemption”, “unilateralism”, and “regime change”. In this case the conventional doctrine of preemption has been broadened to check even a long term threat developing. By unilaterally acting the US has disregarded the imperative of the United Nations (UN) authorisation. The principle of regime change was used to install a loyal regime. The American invasion has disregarded the hitherto practice of collective punishment to offender of international peace. Moreover it has questioned UN effectiveness in maintaining international peace and security. However the military means of fighting against terrorism has not contained its surge.