For the United Nations, the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy sets out a broad-based “effective and principled” response to international terrorism. The Strategy states the tackling of the causes of terrorism and protecting the human rights of those subject to the coercive actions of State agencies must be key components. It is uncertain whether the Strategy will truly achieve many of its desired outcomes. On September 8, 2006, the United Nations adopted a Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The Strategy binds the 191 members of the United Nations to broad-based action supported by a wide range of U.N. institutions. It contrasts starkly with the United States administration’s unilateral departure from international legal norms. This paper examines the origin of a broader U.N. counter-terrorism strategy. It examines the foundations of what may be a more successful longer term and productive response of the international community to terrorism founded upon the rule of law and with respect for human rights at its core. The paper begins by examining how the United Nations’ action against terrorism was facilitated in the 1990s by the end of the superpower conflict, and the policy window this provided to Security Council intervention against specific acts of terrorism. The paper concludes with consideration of subsequent action by the wider United Nations system in conjunction with the Security Council and how this has led to a wider regime of actions and State obligations against terrorism with the 2006 adoption of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Tables, references