In responding to the terrorist attacks on its own soil on September 11, 2001, the US has resorted to such measures as prolonged indefinite detention without charges, trials before military commissions lacking due process safeguards, and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of detainees, including torture.
L’Union européenne a eu un rôle positif pour promouvoir les droits de l'homme dans les pays aspirant à l'adhésion, mais sa capacité d'influence semble limitée.