NBC Terrorism and Challenges for Deterrence Strategy
Abstract
Terrorism is not a new phenomenon in international relations, but the nature of the threat is taking on frightening new dimensions in an era of weapons of mass destruction and global access. The diversification of potential terrorists ranging from political groups to religious fanatics to individuals motivated solely by political revenge, further complicates government policy-making to deter terrorist actions. The number of incidents of international terrorism, defined as remediated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience" has declined since the 197Os but the death toll has risen. As governments have demonstrated more skill at handling hijacking and hostage crises, terrorists have adjusted their tactics to more lethal bombings. Asymmetric attacks against the US are more likely in this era of our sole superpower status where most opponents recognize our dominance in conventional warfare. These trends bode ill for the possibility of terrorists moving up the scale to the threat or use of nuclear/biological/chemical (NBC) weapons for even greater impact on societies and experiments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA443441
Entities
People
- Karen B. Stewart
Organizations
- National War College