“Vague Anti-Terrorism Laws and State Repression: Introducing a Novel Measurement of Vagueness in Terrorism Definitions”
Date and Time: March 18, Tuesday, 2025, 12:30-14:30
Venue: A130 Seminar Room
Speaker:
Dr. Dain Yoo, Georgetown University
Abstract:
Why do some anti-terrorism laws (ATLs) result in greater repression than others? Despite growing concerns over governments frequently exploiting vague and broad counterterrorism measures to suppress dissent and minorities, systematic evidence of their political consequences remains limited. To address this empirical gap, I develop a novel measurement of vagueness in terrorism definitions within domestic legal frameworks, incorporating text similarity scores with international standards, the presence of “weasel words,” and the inclusion of exclusionary clauses. I argue that ATLs with more vague definitions are more likely to result in higher levels of state repression upon enactment by granting more discretionary power to authorities. The findings reveal that these laws are associated with increased violations of physical integrity, restrictions on civil liberties, and greater media censorship, compared to ATLs with precise definitions aligned with international standards. However, I find mixed results for digital repression, suggesting the potential resilience of online spaces in resisting autocratic overreach. The study deepens our understanding of how the legal language in security laws can undermine democratic practices, offering new insights into the literature on counterterrorism and human rights.
Short biography:
Dain Yoo is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Government at Georgetown University. Her dissertation project examines how vague anti-terrorism laws shape state repression and public opinion, particularly in contexts where the dual threat of terrorism and repression coexist. Her broader research portfolio includes political violence, global authoritarianism, and public opinion, with a regional focus on the Middle East and North Africa. She employs qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys, text analysis, and interviews. Her works are published in International Interactions and Democratization. She holds an M.A. in International Relations from Seoul National University and B.A. in Arabic and Political Science from Binghamton University.