Of Privacy and Power: The Transatlantic Struggle over Freedom and Security.

AuthorKnox, Allison G.S.

Farrell, Henry and Newman, Abraham, L. Of Privacy and Power: The Transatlantic Struggle over Freedom and Security. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2019. 223 pages. Hardcover. $12.95.

Of Privacy and Power: The Transatlantic Struggle Over Freedom and Security by Henry Farrell and Abraham K. Newman is a fascinating international public policy discussion about security and privacy issues in the post-September 11, 2001 world. The book adds an important perspective to the scholarly literature as the authors note that security policies are another factor beyond globalization in the interchange of international relations. In doing so, Farrell and Newman argue that alliances are developed based on domestic security policies--highlighting that this is merely another dimension to better understand international relations and politics. For Farrell and Newman, "as public and private surveillance have blurred into each other, so has the national and the global," (p.167). Security issues are an important piece in understanding another aspect of the relationships in the international political arena.

Farrell and Newman explore global politics through the lens of security policy issues as it intersects with globalization, international alliances, and policy initiatives to regulate various security problems. They explain that "[Europe and the United States] have the most developed state agencies tasked with overseeing information sharing, policing and counterterrorism. The transatlantic politics of domestic security then shape the policies, practices and lived experience of security forces, firms and citizens across the globe," (p. 2). In this context, the authors look at these privacy and security issues as a means of developing relationships with countries in the international community as they create "institutional arrangements for the transatlantic exchange of security information," (p. 3). In explaining these important facets, Farrell and Newman highlight the extent of American and European relationships particularly as security issues require cooperation and collaboration beyond the borders of a country, (p. 3-4). They also note the power struggles associated with these policies and relationships highlighting the complexity that security issues add to the international political arena and the interdependence that exists because of these relationships (p. 4-6). They write, "As more and more political institutions transcend national borders...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT