USAWC (U.S. Army War College) Military Studies Program Paper. Terrorism: The Challenge and the Response.
Abstract
International terrorism is a complex and increasingly lethal challenge to international order, to the United States and to the community of democratic nations. This essay reviews the definitional problems and nature of terrorism. The act of terrorism has been practiced for centuries for many reasons with varying degrees of success. In recent years, terrorism has emerged as a sophisticated strategy for use as a political weapon. It is essential to recognized that terrorism has purposes and goals; it is a relatively new mode of warfare which poses a significant threat to the American system of government and way of life. The inability of a government to respond effectively to terrorist incidents undermines the confidence of both its citizens and its allies. Terrorists attempt to inspire and manipulate fear to achieve their purposes. The last two decades have seen a dramatic increase in international terrorism; this trend is likely to continue. The terrorist incidents of 1985 illustrate that terrorism is increasingly directed against the U.S. has a clearly stated antiterrorism policy and an effective governmental structure to deal with terrorism. Our national strategy must embrace the whole range of threats to American citizens, property and interests. The strategy can be divided into three broad categories: defensive, managerial and long-term. Terrorism can be managed and controlled, but not eliminated. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA168051
Entities
People
- John J. Tarpley
Organizations
- United States Army War College