Terrorism: Challenge and Response. The Search for National Strategy,
Abstract
The fundamental issues are lack of agreed-upon definitions of terrorism among US government agencies and the resultant lack of coherence in US policy and strategy to respond. Government and academic definitions were examined and found to be inadequate for strategy formulation. A new theoretical typology of international and domestic terrorism is postulated, and the political and military implications of the construct are examined. The role of intelligence is analyzed in terms of the functions of positive intelligence and counterintelligence in supporting counterterrorism and antiterrorism strategies, respectively. A typology of response options is presented, indicating the limitations of defensive and crisis management procedures, as well as the costs and risks associated with offensive measures. The US must formulate and execute an offensive strategy, employing military options of retaliation, elimination, and preemption. The ultimate goal of offensive and defensive strategies is to achieve effective deterrence against the terrorist threat. Both conventional and special operations forces have complementary roles to play in executing an effective offensive counterterrorism strategy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 22, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA167964
Entities
People
- Douglas H. Dearth
Organizations
- United States Army War College