America's Response to International Terrorism.
Abstract
The growing threat of terrorism as it affects national interest is examined along with the problems of developing an effective deterrence strategy to deal with it. Also considered are the terrorist groups and their close ties to sponsoring states, which is a network of nations including the Soviet Union. Legislative measures that have already taken effect are discussed, as well as public opinion and support for the use of force. Recommended actions to counter terrorism are based on the philosophy of Just Cause, and the principle that any response must be proportionate to the threat and highly discriminate in its application. Only through multinational cooperation can there be a viable deterrence strategy. Responsible nations must join together and work toward the objective of denying the terrorists their goals by making terrorist acts counterproductive and costly. The terrorists and their sponsor-states must fear the consequences of their actions. To be effective, only responses that include economic sanctions, political isolation, and limited surgical strikes against approved targets within terrorist sponsor-states that have been positively identified as instigators of terrorist activities will combat and defeat these outlaws.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 02, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA170402
Entities
People
- Richard R. Crawford
Organizations
- United States Army War College