European integration and the race to the top in counterterrorist regulations. Issue 5 (4th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Epifanio, Mariaelisa; Plümper, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Journal of European public policy. Volume 25:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 787
• Page End: 799
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04
• Subjects: Counterterrorism -- European Union -- EU co-operation -- regulatory competition; European Union countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Political planning -- European Union countries -- Periodicals; Politique publique -- Pays de l'Union européenne -- Périodiques; Pays de l'Union européenne -- Politique et gouvernement -- Périodiques; 361.61094
• DOI: 10.1080/13501763.2017.1310276
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-1763

Abstract

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 members 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.