First Things Podcast How to Prevent an Act of Terror (ft. Alan Dershowitz)
Jul 24, 2025
Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard Law professor and renowned legal expert, dives deep into the themes of his book, discussing the balance between preventing harm and preserving civil liberties. He explores contemporary national security challenges and promotes proactive legal measures against terrorism. The conversation touches on historical presidential assassination attempts and the evolution of security protocols. Additionally, Dershowitz navigates the ethics of prediction and the moral dilemmas surrounding free speech and public safety, sparking a critical examination of societal values.
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Modern Threats Demand New Jurisprudence
- Modern threats like terrorism and epidemics have become more potent than ever before.
- Our capacity to predict these threats is unprecedented, yet errors in prediction remain a significant challenge.
Prevention Better Than Reaction
- Most public officials focus on reactive measures after harms occur rather than preventive actions.
- Prevention is preferable since it can save lives by acting before catastrophic events happen.
Balance Principles With Flexibility
- Be principled but avoid absolutism in balancing liberties and security.
- Recognize that judgment calls and imperfections are inevitable in preventive policies.
