Counterterrorism: Policy of Preemptive Action
Abstract
The tragic events of September 11, 2001(911), and the devastating effects that those cowardly acts of terrorism had on our nation and the world, have forced us to review and reevaluate our country's counterterrorism policy. The terrorist attacks of 911, conducted by a few dedicated terrorists, willing to die for their beliefs, and having little regard for enormous losses of innocent lives, causes us to reevaluate our counterterrorism policy and it's ability to prevent future acts of terrorism. The specific focus during this counterterrorism policy review is the terrorism prevention concept of preemptive action. Specifically, should the United States of America (USA), conduct preemptive strikes in the defense of our nation, our allies and their citizenry? The scope of this review covers our country's counterterrorism policy of preemptive action. This review specifically covers preemptive action: definition, historical precedence, policy, objectives, concepts, criteria for use, methods, risks, effects, unilateral vs. multilateral action, and the international view associated with the policy and its use. This study concludes by providing recommendations on the merits of preemptive strikes towards improving our ability to prevent future terrorism.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA414502
Entities
People
- Stephen D. Westphal
Organizations
- United States Army War College