NCJ Number
101512
Date Published
1986
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The terrorist challenge to democratic nations is identified, and strategies to counter it are discussed.
Abstract
The United States and its democratic allies are morally committed to certain ideals and to a humane vision of the future in which human rights are respected by all governments and based on the rule of law. With rare exception, international, particularly state-supported, terrorist groups are attempting to impose their will by force by creating an atmosphere of fear. They seek to destroy what democracies are seeking to build. Where democracy struggles to take root, terrorists seek to spread disorder and chaos, shake faith in the idea of democracy, and convert others to their cause. Where terrorists cannot cause anarchy, they seek to force the government to overreact or impose tyrannical measures, hence losing popular support. Terrorism at home or abroad attempts to weaken liberal democracy and undermine world stability and peace. While effective measures have been taken to combat terrorism on U.S. soil, terrorism is an international problem requiring the cooperation and collaboration of all free nations to defeat. Special efforts must be made to address the problem of State-sponsored terrorism. Economic and other sanctions must be applied against States that support terrorism, and nations must be discouraged from paying blackmail. If the challenge of terrorism is met with realism, determination, and strength, it will cease to be a major factor in world affairs.