NCJ Number
88961
Date Published
1982
Length
225 pages
Annotation
A democratic society must consider aspects rendering it vulnerable to terrorist pressure, but it also must resist the temptation to overreact to the terrorist threat. Societies must first understand the nature of terrorism -- its definition, history, theory, operation, and effects -- so that they can respond at the minimum effective level with maximum effect.
Abstract
The author, an expert in political violence and terrorism, analyzes counterterrorist policies, beginning with an outline of basic policy choices and continuing with an indepth look at specific policy areas, such as the role of intelligence agencies, the use of the armed forces, and the development of antiterrorist legislation and international treaties. The issue of regulating media reporting of terrorist incidents is also addressed. The author assesses likely developments in terrorist activity, such as a slide toward mass destruction, and responses to it. He suggests that there are a number of ways to counter terrorism that do not require repressive measures, such as voluntary restraint by the news media, carefully controlled and defined military aid, bilateral and international antiterrorist treaties, proper intelligence activities, and high-quality research efforts directed toward refining such techniques as hostage negotiation procedures. Chapter notes, over 200 references, and an index are supplied.