Countering terrorism in France in 2006-2016: the historical and legal aspect

The paper deals with the development of laws and regulations on anti-terrorism measures provided by French state institutions in 2006-2016. The author analyzes previous Russian historical studies on White Papers. Besides, the researcher examines changes in French law in the above-mentioned period and introduces new instruments in this regard. Most studies have discussed the fight against terrorism in France along with European and international supranational countermeasures while this research focuses only on anti-terrorist activities of French state institutions. Summing up, the author concludes that against the background of increasing social tension, migration crisis, destabilized situation in the European Union and beyond and therefore the unprecedented intensification of terrorism, French authorities have been systematically tightened up their laws and regulations since 2006. Law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies have gained more powers. In particular, they have tightened their control over information technology, communication, and media.