Dubnick, Melvin J. “Postscripts for a ‘State of War’: Public Administration and Civil Liberties After September 11,” PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REVIEW, 62, Special Issue: Democratic Governance in the Aftermath of September 11, 2001 (September, 2002): 76-81.
AI-Generated Summary:
This document analyzes four potential narratives shaping U.S. public administration and civil liberties in the aftermath of September 11, emphasizing their implications and cultural dimensions.
Overview of Post-September 11 Narratives
- The attacks prompted the need for a coherent story to guide government actions and public expectations.
- Narratives influence how officials interpret threats, define enemies, and justify policies.
- Four main narratives are identified, each with distinct operational demands and cultural commitments.
Garrison State Narrative
- Draws from historical fears of society dominated by military specialists.
- Envisions society transformed into a total war state, prioritizing military and technological strength.
- Raises concerns about threats to constitutional values and civil liberties, emphasizing potential erosion of tolerance and privacy.
- Often associated with fears of permanent societal change and loss of liberal norms.
Temporary State Narrative
- Reflects pragmatic, short-term measures during crises, rooted in U.S. wartime experiences like WWII.
- Views wartime actions as necessary and transient, with an expectation of eventual rollback.
- Supports flexible civil liberties restrictions, justified as temporary and accountable.
- Influences judicial attitudes, exemplified by Supreme Court rulings emphasizing the temporary nature of wartime restrictions.
Glass Firewall Narrative
- Envisions separate civilian and military spheres operating with a legal and organizational firewall.
- Emphasizes civilian control over military actions, with military autonomy during wartime.
- Reinforces the tradition of civilian oversight, especially in defense policy and military tribunals.
- Post-9/11 policies, such as military tribunals and detention orders, exemplify this separation.
Enemy Within Narrative
- Focuses on internal threats, emphasizing vigilance against disloyal or subversive groups.
- Historically linked to McCarthy-era fears of internal subversion.
- Post-9/11, has been invoked to justify surveillance and security measures targeting Arab Americans and Islamics.
- Raises concerns about civil liberties and potential discrimination amid national security efforts.
Implications and Future Outlook
- No single narrative has yet become dominant, but one is likely to shape future policies.
- The chosen narrative will influence civil liberties, administrative behavior, and national culture.
- Each narrative presents different operational and cultural priorities, affecting government responses and public judgment.