NCJ Number
121232
Date Published
1988
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This analysis examines the unique characteristics of Western Europe and the ideology, political objectives, structure, tactics, sources of support, and international linkages of the terrorist groups in the region.
Abstract
The discussion emphasizes that civil disorder and violence in the name of ideology or in the pursuit of political goals is a longstanding practice in the area, although current types of terrorism emerged only in the late 1960's. Most incidents represent domestic terrorism, although domestic groups in different nations often communicate and cooperate with one another. Terrorist groups include the Red Brigades in Italy, separatist groups and Direct Action in France, Basque separatists in Spain, the Red Army Faction in West Germany, the Revolutionary Popular Struggle in Greece, and the Republican and Loyalist groups in Northern Ireland. The governments of Western European nations have achieved some success in addressing both domestic and international terrorism. 76 reference notes.