The transatlantic relationship plays a vital role in addressing contemporary security challenges, particularly in the realm of counterterrorism. The partnership between the United States and its European allies has evolved significantly over the years, impacting counterterrorism cooperation in both positive and challenging ways.
NATO, a significant transatlantic security alliance, has played a pivotal role in the global war on terrorism. The invocation of NATO’s Article 5 after the 9/11 attacks led to a unified response, with NATO member states providing military support in Afghanistan. European countries have also contributed troops, equipment, and logistical support to various counterterrorism operations, strengthening collective military capabilities and efforts. Overall the transatlantic partnership in countering terrorism has never been as intense as it is now.
Since 2014 the US and NATO-led Global Coalition against ISIL has grown into an 86-member force from countries and organisations around the world. This important coalition has led to significant success in counterterrorism. It achieved the territorial defeat of ISIL in Iraq and Syria while it has taken out or captured ISIS leadership. Yet the threat of ISIL and jihadi movements have proven to be a multiheaded hydra which reappear in conflict theaters such as emerging terrorist threats in Afghanistan and Sahel. The interconnected security, demographic, economic, and political challenges in the Middle East, North Africa and Sahel regions, which pose serious transnational and humanitarian challenges, require concerted strategic counterterrorism efforts.
The transatlantic relationship facilitates the exchange of crucial intelligence on terrorist threats, helping to prevent large-scale attacks and dismantle terrorist networks. Notably, the ”Five Eyes” alliance, comprising the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, has demonstrated exceptional information-sharing practices, enhancing global counterterrorism capabilities.
The transatlantic partnership fosters cooperation among law enforcement agencies, such as Interpol, Europol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Joint initiatives enable the tracking and apprehension of terrorists across borders, making it challenging for them to find safe havens. For example, when the FBI shared a list of more than 4,500 individuals detained in northeastern Syria with Europol, this information was integrated into the Schengen Information System. enabling European countries to recognize if these individuals made attempts to cross borders. Battlefield evidence and collection as well as sharing of biometric data further strengthens border security and investigations. Furthermore, the close collaboration between Europol and U.S. agencies supports investigations and information exchange, which have led to the arrest of individuals involved in terrorist activities.
The transatlantic relationship provides also a diplomatic platform for addressing global terrorism challenges. Both the United States and European nations work together in various international forums and organizations, advocating for resolutions, sanctions, and actions against terrorist organizations and state sponsors of terrorism. These combined diplomatic efforts have led to United Nations Security Council resolutions and other international agreements aimed at combating terrorism on a global scale.
The transatlantic relationship on counterterrorism do face significant challenges in a number of areas.
Social media amplifies extremist messages. But there are significant differences between the EU and the U.S. when it comes to addressing hate speech. Whereas the EU outlaw hate speech and can pressure social media companies to remove such content from their platforms within one hour, the U.S. prioritise First Amendment rights of freedom of speech which place few restrictions on hate speech. This affects the ability to tackle extremist ideologies and the perpetuation of conspiracy theories that fuel radicalisation.
The resurgence of right-wing extremism is a major concern in both Europe and the U.S. The far right Capitol Hill siege on January 6, 2021, was an inflection point for extremism in America which continue to reverberate and represent a grave danger to U.S. democracy. In Europe, the far right groups are mobilising and expanding their international connections and coordination through social media. While some individual European states, most notably Germany and the United Kingdom, have designated a few rightwing extremist groups, the EU terrorist list contain no far right groups. Similarly, the U.S. government have only designated one white supremacist group, the Russian Imperial Movement. Placing far right groups on terror lists could be helpful in tackling the financing of terrorism and contain their transnational connections. The convergence of far-right terrorism threat in both Europe and the United States presents an opportunity for further enhanced cooperation.
In the pursuit of counterterrorism, there have been concerns about potential violations of civil liberties and human rights, particularly regarding U.S. practices such as extraordinary renditions and the operation of detention facilities like Guantanamo Bay. EU states have advocated closure of Guantanamo while the U.S. has encouraged European states to repatriate foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) and their families who travelled to join the Islamic State’s so-called Caliphate. At least 2,000 male FTFs are held in detention centers in northeastern Syria and over 10,000 third country national women and children.
The horrific massacre of Israeli civilians on 7 October 2023 and the war between Israel-Hamas in Gaza have unleashed anti-Semitic, anti-Israeli and deep polarisation within our Western societies that is an absolute priority to confront. This is a shared transatlantic problem that is a difficult issue but needs to be jointly and urgently addressed among Western states.
The transatlantic relationship’s role in counterterrorism cooperation is characterized by its strengths and challenges. As the threat of terrorism persists and evolves, the United States and its European allies must navigate these complexities while striving for continued cooperation and unity. Open and honest dialogue, along with a commitment to shared values and objectives, are essential in addressing these challenges and further advancing transatlantic counterterrorism efforts. The transatlantic relationship remains a critical asset in the global fight against terrorism and the protection of shared security interests.
Magnus Ranstorp
Dr., Strategic Adviser
Center for Societal Security, Swedish Defence University
Sweden
magnus.ranstorp@fhs.se
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