State of National Emergency

What?

A state of national emergency is a declaration from the government that may suspend normal government functions, may work to alert citizens and alter their behaviors, or may command agencies to formulate and perform emergency preparedness plans. This declaration can also be used as a rationale for the suspension of civil liberties.

Why?

A state of national emergency is usually declared during a period of civil unrest, after a declaration of war or during a time of natural calamity. In some countries, this declaration is regulated by the constitution. In others, it is regulated by a law limiting the powers that may be invoked at the time of an emergency. Usually, it is illegal to modify the Constitution or the emergency law during an emergency.

Why not?

This declaration is fairly uncommon in democracies. However, dictatorial regimes usually declare a state of national emergency that is often prolonged indefinitely until the end of the regime. In some cases, it is followed by the declaration of martial law, allowing the military to act with greater authority.

Carl Schmitt and other political theorists have argued that the power to initiate the state of emergency defines sovereignty. Giorgio Agamben, in his book “State of Exception,” has criticized this notion, claiming how this mechanism deprives a certain group of people of their civil rights.

When and Where?

There have been several declarations of the state of national emergency in many countries. Here are some of the note-worthy examples.

• March 2008 - the President of Armenia declared a state of emergency in response to election-related protests.

• February 14, 2008 – Chad was under the declaration after the Battle of N'Djamena.

• November 2 to December 15, 2007 – Pakistan was under the declaration to stop the country “from committing suicide.”It was lifter after President Musharraf resigned from the army and took oath as a civilian president.

• August 25 to 28, 2007 – Greece was in state of emergency due to the destructive wild fires that occurred throughout the country.

• February 24 to March 3, 2006 – a state of emergency was declared in the Philippines in response to a supposed mutiny or coup against the government.