Freedom and Reforms versus National Security

Abstract

The main purpose of a democratic state is that of protecting the civil rights and liberties. The fundamental condition for a good government and for guaranteeing social and individual freedom is based on the the deployment of a democratic national security system. Geo-political movements and the globalization phenomenon are real challenges for the national security system, regarding organized crime, weapons of mass destruction, international terrorism. All these threats require flexible laws to allow the national security system to function and accomplish its objectives without tainting or restricting civil rights and liberties. For these reasons, both government and civil society have the opportunity and responsibility to work together in creating a formal agenda on public policy reforms regarding the protection of civil rights and liberties while redesigning the national security system.

Note: Downloadable document is in Romanian and English.

Keywords: the security system reform, the concept of civil rights, the concept of civil liberties, national security, civil society, democratic state

JEL Classification: A10, A30