Combatting the Terrorist Threat.
Abstract
This study reviews the nature of the growing challenge of terrorism to US national security interests and investigates US national and departmental strategies implemented to counter the threat. It assesses the threat through the full spectrum of conflicts and provides recommendations on the appropriate responses to counter terrorism at Department of Defense and National Command Authority levels. The study is based on a literature search and personal interviews with subject matter experts within the US government. The study begins with a trend analysis for 1984, followed by a historical overview of eleven terrorist groups and their current operations, and a presentation of the projected threat and potential impact of terrorist actions on three big regions of the world--the Caribbean Basin, Europe, and the Middle East. A review of current national and departmental policies has also been completed to gain insight into the readiness of the US to deal with the problem. The authors conclude that--terrorism will continue through the 1980's, worldwide cooperation and interaction is needed to quell the rise in terrorist activities, the US will continue to be a prime target, and the US government structure is not fully prepared to deal with the problem. Several recommendations are presented. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 22, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA158696
Entities
People
- L. B. Berrong
- P. T. Gerard Jr
Organizations
- United States Army War College