France’s State of Emergency and Long-term Solutions to Combating Extremism

Following the tragic terrorist attack in Nice, French President Francois Hollande announced that the national state of emergency originally put in place following November’s terrorist attacks in Paris will be extended for an additional three months. While France grapples with the threat of terrorist violence and how best to protect itself from these threats, leaders must ensure that policies contained within the current state of emergency provisions – including provisions that permit extraordinary powers to investigate, arrest, and detain individuals – do not exacerbate existing tensions that can lead to further unrest. France’s longer term security will hinge on counterterrorism measures that respect human rights.