Rethinking UN counter-terrorism

In this episode we explore how the United Nations (UN) counter-terrorism architecture has expanded – and what it means for peace, human rights and multilateral action. Over the past two decades, counter-terrorism has become one of the UN’s fastest-growing areas of work. From a small footprint with very limited capacity, to a dedicated UN Office of Counterterrorism with 200 staff, the counterterrorism agenda at the UN has seen dramatic growth. Yet despite UN Member State consensus on this agenda, many stakeholders have expressed concern that these developments run contrary to the founding ideals of the UN system. Given the clear harms that abusive counterterrorism measures have produced – for human rights, fundamental freedoms, civic space, peacebuilding and humanitarian action – is it time for the UN system to rethink its approach? As states prepare for major UN reforms and the 20-year review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the decisions UN Member States take in 2026 will likely shape the multilateral system for years to come. Ambika Satkunanathan and Ali Altiok join Jordan Street and Charlie Linney to discuss why multilateral counter-terrorism policy matters, why concerns about transparency and accountability are increasing, and what these shifts mean for civil society, local peace efforts and people living in conflict-affected contexts. They also explore how coalitions across peacebuilding, rights and security actors can work together to defend principled, prevention-focused approaches. This conversation offers clear insights into the big questions facing the UN counterterrorism system – and why a more balanced, rights-affirming direction is essential for the UN’s credibility with people around the world.