NCJ Number
82297
Date Published
1981
Length
11 pages
Annotation
An analysis of recent trends and effects of terrorism is followed by suggestions for a strategy for dealing with it.
Abstract
Since 1968, terrorism has increased in both the number of incidents and the proportion of incidents involving more than one fatality. Embassies have remained prime targets. Many assassinations have occurred. However, many governments have demonstrated their readiness to use force against terrorists, with mixed results. Despite increased international cooperation and the apprehension of large numbers of terrorists, the longstanding terrorist groups have both survived and regenerated, while new groups have appeared. Terrorists have created an atmosphere of apprehension and alarm. A hardening of targets through expenditures on personal security has been accompanied by a hardening of attitudes, as shown by increasing support for extreme measures against terrorism in countries most affected by terrorism. Although the United Staes does not face a serious terrorism problem within its borders, about one-third of all international terrorist incidents involve U.S. citizens or facilities. Terrorists' erroneous perceptions of enormous American influence on other governments creates a problem for the United States. Given its inability to directly affect the outcome of any terrorist event, the United States has chosen to emphasize better intelligence, heavier security, a no-concessions policy to discourage the taking of hostages, the effective management of terrorist incidents that do occur, and the creation of special antiterrorist military capabilities. However, these measures alone do not constitute an antiterrorism strategy. Such a strategy must reflect the problem's unique features for the United States. The strategy should emphasize international agreements, pressures on nations that support terrorists, and the seeking of a broad international consensus on the definition of terrorism. Each international agreement should focus on a specific terrorist tactic. Development of a feasible strategy to combat terrorism would reduce the pressure involved in dealing with each terrorist incident, would help guide public statements regarding such incidents, and would provide a framework for assessing each contemplated measure.