European integration and the ‘race to the top’ in counterterrorist regulations

Abstract:

International terrorism can generate a ‘race to the top’ in counterterrorist regulations among countries potentially exposed to terrorist attacks. This ‘regulatory competition’ can be smoothed by international co-operation and an agreement on common minimum standards in counterterrorist regulations.

We argue, and show empirically, that European Union member states have implemented a significantly lower number of counterterrorist regulations than countries that do not belong to the European Union. This finding supports the argument that the implementation of a minimum regulatory standard reduces the competitive upward pressure in counterterrorist regulations.