US Government Response to Terrorism - In Search of an Effective Strategy

• NCJ Number: 87513
• Author(s): W R Farrell
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 152 pages
• Sale Source: Westview Press, Inc
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Westview Special Studies in National and International Terrorism

Annotation

This volume offers a working definition of terrorism; reviews its international, transnational, nonterritorial, and domestic forms; then focuses on the activities of Government agencies directly concerned with preventing or neutralizing terrorism. It presents a detailed history of American antiterrorist policies since 1972.

Abstract

Critical of existing programs and the low priority given to counter-terrorist activities, the author concludes that the development of a clear, reasonable, and effective strategy against terrorism has been unnecessarily delayed, in part due to interorganizational friction. The book also considers the sociological, legal, and operational factors that would be brought into play should military forces be used against a terrorist attack and addresses the nature and extent of the terrorist threat to U.S. businesses. Tabular data illustrate terrorist incidents in North America and worldwide (1970-79). An index, notes, and more than 100 references are included. (Publisher abstract modified)