Review and Assessment of United States Strategy to Combat Terrorism
Abstract
The striking difference between the terrorism on September 11, 2001 (9/11), and previous terrorist events was the magnitude and success of these attacks in a society where it never happened before. In response, the Bush administration is leading a worldwide campaign against terrorism. Using unclassified sources, this research project reviews and assesses United States strategy to combat terrorism. The strength in evolving U.S. strategy to combat terrorism lies in its dependence on all elements of national power ranging from diplomacy, international cooperation and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, physical security enhancement and military force. These initiatives should be continued. This paper will discuss the strengths and deficiencies of selected elements in U.S. counter-terrorism policy and recommend changes to increase effectiveness of U.S. strategy to combat terrorism. Overall, the U.S. strategy appears to be effective. However, specific elements in U.S. strategy organizations to combat terrorism, diplomatic policy to strike at roots of terrorism anti-Americanism, intelligence collection, allied and coalition involvement in counter-terrorism, use of the military, border controls, the media, and WMD nonproliferation - must be improved in order to make it more effective.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA404546
Entities
People
- Richard A. Rainer Jr
Organizations
- United States Army War College