Part one of this paper examines how Hong Kong's new National Security Law reflects elements of post 9/11 security laws in liberal democracies including broad definitions of crime that include speech, the assertion of universal jurisdiction, elements to counter extremism, special national security courts including limits on trial by jury, increased police powers, new national security institutions including central government pre-emption and acceptance of co-ordinate construction. The second part, however, argues that the law goes far beyond even illiberal laws in liberal democracies in its impact on speech, the independence of the academy, the bar, and the judiciary and its effects on civil society, the media and educators by its emphasis on loyalty oaths, official disqualification, national security education and the creation of Beijing led national security institutions that may be immune from the rule of law.