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Former Quebec Scholar Vincent-Joël Proulx releases Transnational Terrorism and State Accountability: A New Theory of Prevention

Vincent-Joël Proulx, the 2009 Wilson Center Canada Institute Quebec Scholar, recently released his book, Transnational Terrorism and State Accountability: A New Theory of Prevention. In it, he details the shortcomings of the extant scheme of state responsibility regarding terrorist activities, and identifies a paradigm shift towards more indirect modes of accountability. Ultimately, the legal and policy sensibilities that he emphasizes converge into a new theory of prevention in counterterrorism contexts.

Vincent-Joël Proulx, the 2009 Wilson Center Canada Institute Quebec Scholar, recently released his book, Transnational Terrorism and State Accountability: A New Theory of Prevention. In it, he details the shortcomings of the extant scheme of state responsibility regarding terrorist activities, and identifies a paradigm shift  towards more indirect modes of accountability. Ultimately, the legal and policy sensibilities that he emphasizes converge into a new theory of prevention in counterterrorism contexts.

From the Foreword by Bruno Simma

“Even if one might disagree with the bases on which the author constructs his argument, the execution of the argument is solid and thorough. The cover­age of the major policy arguments and the available legal source materials is equally impressive. Moreover, the author’s positions are genuinely progressive and present a fairly innovative solution, in the form of a strict liability mecha­nism. Although some might regard this approach as somewhat ahead of its time, the present work may well come to be used by policy‑makers seeking an appropriate legal tool to prevent terrorism and to hold those responsible for ter­rorist acts accountable. It behoves all scholars and practitioners of international law with an interest in combating international terrorism to consider the pro­posals outlined in this book.”

Every State has an obligation to prevent terrorist attacks emanating from its territory. This proposition stems from various multilateral agreements and UN Security Council resolutions. This study exhaustively addresses the scope of this obligation of prevention and the legal consequences flowing from its violation, so as to provide greater clarity on governments' counterterrorism duties and to enhance State accountability for preventable wrongs. It defines the contents and contours of the obligation while placing critical emphasis on the mechanics of State responsibility. Whether obscured by new technologies like the Internet, the sophisticated cellular structure of some terrorist organisations or convoluted political realities, the level of governmental involvement in terrorist activities is no longer readily discernible in every instance. Furthermore, the prospect of governments waging surrogate warfare through proxies also poses intractable challenges to the mechanism of attribution in the context of State responsibility. 

This monograph sets out the shortcomings of the extant scheme of State responsibility while identifying a paradigm shift towards more indirect modes of accountability under international law, a trend corroborated by recent State and institutional practice. Drawing on varied legal and theoretical influences, the study devises and prescriptively argues for the implementation of a strict liability-inspired model grounded in the logic of indirect responsibility with a view to enhancing State compliance with counterterrorism obligations. This shifts the policy focus squarely to prevention, while promoting multilateralism and transnational cooperation. Ultimately, the legal and policy sensibilities underlying the book converge into a new theory of prevention in counterterrorism contexts.

Please click on the links below to read the introduction and table of contents:

Introduction:http://www.hartpub.co.uk/pdf/samples/9781849462853sample.pdf

Contents: http://www.hartpub.co.uk/pdf/9781849462853.pdf

The Author

Vincent-Joël Proulx is a Legal Officer at the International Court of Justice and a Barrister and Solicitor of the Ontario Bar.

http://www.hartpub.co.uk/books/details.asp?isbn=9781849462853

About the Author

Vincent-Joel Proulx

Former Junior Scholar;
Law Clerk, International Court of Justice in the Hague, Netherlands; Barrister and Solicitor, Ontario Bar
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Canada Institute

The mission of the Wilson Center's Canada Institute is to raise the level of knowledge of Canada in the United States, particularly within the Washington, DC policy community.  Research projects, initiatives, podcasts, and publications cover contemporary Canada, US-Canadian relations, North American political economy, and Canada's global role as it intersects with US national interests.  Read more