NCJ Number
152095
Journal
Journal of Security Administration Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: (October 1994) Pages: 5-17
Date Published
1994
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article examines patterns of emerging global social conflict that poses an increasing threat of violence through entrepreneurial military actions, vigilantism, and terrorism; implications are drawn for security planning.
Abstract
Currently, a majority of nations are experiencing recurring varieties of often lethal social conflict both from within and without their borders. This includes historic, imaginary, or evolving borders as perceived by some participants. Contributing variables include race, ethnicity, religion/religiosity, language, and even reconstructionism of culture and history. This increasing social conflict is not particular to Third World nations. A growing proportion of global social conflict is now occurring in democratic, technologically advanced nations, characterized by increasing degrees of demographic heterogeneity. Many so-called social "melting pots" are now boiling over, often in an interpenetrating way, as related causal variables are no longer limited to a single nation. Forms of social conflict that were once nonviolent will increasingly use terrorist and other styles of violent tactics in an effort to achieve their goals. Under this new onslaught of violent tactics, security systems will face a unique challenge. Security systems for buildings and individuals that were effective in thwarting less bold tactics must be revised and upgraded to counter the threat of more fanatical and unrestrained attacks. 21 references