NCJ Number
102709
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1986) Pages: 114-119
Date Published
1986
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Little research has focused on the problem of terrorist attacks on diplomats, although diplomats of at least 113 nations have been the targets of attacks or threats; attacks on diplomats and their facilities now constitute more than 40 percent of all international terrorist attacks.
Abstract
Another area needing attention is the use by many nations of diplomatic privileges and immunities to support terrorist operations abroad. The lack of research attention to this subject is particularly surprising in view of the United Nations General Assembly's unanimous passage in 1973 of a convention calling for greater protection of diplomats. The interest the United States has shown in the subject is a further factor pointing to the need for more research. In fact, the Reagan administration has claimed that both terrorists and their State sponsors are trying to destroy the institution of diplomacy itself. The minimal attention that Australian scholars have paid to terrorism against diplomats may stem from Australia's comparative freedom from terrorism. Grant Wardlaw, however, has done extensive research on the subject. Australians have taken an approach similar to that overseas, focusing on the global threat and occasionally referring to the threat to diplomats. The large diplomatic community in Australia and the showing importance of diplomacy in international relations makes greater attention to the terrorist threat particularly important. 28 references.