Future Domestic and International Terrorism: The FBI Perspective

• NCJ Number: 123919
• Journal: Terrorism Volume: 11 Issue: 6 Dated: (1988) Pages: 538-541
• Author(s): B A Ricks
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: Paper presented at a conference sponsored by the George Washington University, the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, and the Leon and Marilyn Klinghoffer Memorial Foundation on "Terrorism: An Evaluation of the Reagan Years and an Agenda for the Next Administration," Washington, D.C., November 22, 1988.

Annotation

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines terrorism as the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government or the civilian population in furtherance of political or social objectives.

Abstract

Domestic terrorism is committed by homegrown groups who have no ties or connections outside the United States. International terrorists' activities transcend national boundaries or are sponsored by international groups. The FBI's primary goal in conducting counterterrorism investigations is to prevent a terrorist incident from occurring. From 1983 to 1987, the FBI was successful in preventing more than 45 terrorist incidents in the United States. Even so, almost every major Middle East terrorist organization has a surrogate structure in the United States. Most terrorist incidents in the United States, however, are committed by domestic groups, including the Aryan Nations; the Covenant, the Sword, and the Arm of the Lord; the Sheriff's Posse Comitatus; and Puerto Rican groups which seek to achieve independence for Puerto Rico.