NCJ Number
88993
Date Published
1983
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Data from 1968 through 1980 show that terrorism is accelerating worldwide and being directed at Americans with increasing frequency, particularly in Latin America where local undergrounds permit terrorists to kidnap foreign personnel.
Abstract
Terrorist incidents usually take the form of hostage incidents or damage to individuals and property. Once the most frequent hostage incident, kidnapping is declining and being replaced by barricade and hostage operations, particularly hijackings. Most terrorist acts continue to be low level operations relying on technologically simple devices such as rifles, pipe bombs, and Molotov cocktails. Armed attacks and assassinations follow a slowly rising cyclical trend, while sabotage and exotic pollution remain relatively rare. Nearly half the incidents reported between 1968 and 1980 have occurred in Westernized, highly affluent nations. Attacks on Americans overseas reached record levels by 1980, with Latin America being the most dangerous area and the Middle East and Western Europe tying for second place. While Governments opposed to U.S. policies have supported terrorist groups, the extensive contacts among the groups themselves are even more disturbing. Terrorists have been overwhelmingly effective in securing publicity and may feel forced to develop innovative schemes as countermeasures become more effective. Government strategies to reduce terrorism include working with the press to alter public perceptions of terrorist demands, enacting emergency laws curtailing civil liberties, and encouraging vigilante squads. Terrorists, however, can adapt to these measures, and a new generation will arise whose identities, objectives, and methods are unknown to authorities. Tables and 13 footnotes are included.