Modern Terrorism. The Potential for Increased Lethality. CLIC Papers
Abstract
This paper examines the practice of terrorism from an historical perspective and in particular the changes in revolutionary theory which have in part resulted from the availability of mass media means. The author posits a correlation exists in the media attention garnered through violent terrorist acts and the increasingly lethal and seemingly random incidents of these acts. A deadly spiral of violence has developed in which, to attract media attention, ever higher levels of violence are required. Toxic chemical agents may be used by terrorist to achieve a new and even higher level. Although a firm consensus does not exist on the potential for the employment of chemical weapons by terrorist groups, the easy availability of the technology needed to produce such weapons and the resolve to inflict large numbers of casualties indicates a willingness to explore new avenues of violence. Toxic chemical agents could well be that new avenue.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA198670
Entities
People
- William H. Thornton