NCJ Number
167808
Editor(s)
A E Sadler,
P A Winters
Date Published
1996
Length
170 pages
Annotation
This anthology presents papers with opposing viewpoints on the seriousness of the terrorist threat in the United States, the groups that pose an urban terrorist threat, whether the media encourages terrorism, and whether antiterrorism measures threaten civil liberties in the United States.
Abstract
In considering whether Americans should fear urban terrorism, three papers argue that America is increasingly vulnerable to terrorism, that America's violent culture leads to terrorism, and that the increased accessibility of nuclear arms increases the threat of terrorism. Three other papers argue the opposite viewpoints, that is, that America's vulnerability to terrorism is declining, that American violence does not contribute to domestic terrorism, and that the threat of nuclear terrorism is minimal. In another section, papers argue the pros and cons of the terrorist threat of particular groups, namely citizen militias, the political right, the Federal Government, Muslims, and the Unabomber. In considering whether the media encourages terrorism, four papers argue that terrorists rely on media coverage, that the media further the goals of terrorists, that hate radio can inspire terrorism, and that publishing do-it- yourself munitions books increases the risk of terrorism. Papers with opposing views argue that terrorism is not affected by media coverage, that blaming conservative media rhetoric for terrorism is irresponsible, and that not publishing the Unabomber's manifesto would produce harmful consequences. Remaining papers consider whether proposed antiterrorism measures threaten civil liberties, with attention to proposed immigration reforms designed to keep foreign terrorists out of the United States. For individual papers, see NCJ-167809-36. A 35-item bibliography, a list of organizations to contact, and a subject index