Combating Terrorism: The Challenge of Measuring Effectiveness
Abstract
This report is designed to assist congressional policy makers in understanding and applying broad-based objective criteria when evaluating progress in the nation's efforts to combat terrorism. It is not intended to define specific, in-depth, metrics for measuring progress against terrorism. How one perceives and measures progress is central to formulating and implementing anti-terror strategy. Perception has a major impact, as well, on how nations prioritize and allocate resources. On the flip side, the parameters used to measure progress can set the framework for the measurement of failure. The measurement process is also inextricably linked to strategies. Progress is possible using diverse strategies, under very different approaches. The goals of terrorists and those who combat them are often diametrically opposed, but may also be tangential, with both sides achieving objectives and making progress according to their different measurement systems. Within the context of these competing views and objectives, terrorist activity may be seen as a process that includes discrete, quantum-like changes or jumps that often underscore its asymmetric and nonlinear nature. An approach that looks at continuous metrics such as lower numbers of casualties may indicate success, while at the same time the terrorists may be redirecting resources towards vastly more devastating projects. Policy makers may face considering the pros and cons of reallocating more of the nation's limited resources away from ongoing defensive projects and towards preventing the next quantum jump of terrorism, even if this means accepting losses. Measurement of progress, or lack thereof, may be framed in terms of incidents, attitudes, and trends. A common pitfall of governments seeking to demonstrate success in anti-terrorist measures is overreliance on quantitative indicators, such as the amount of money spent on anti-terror efforts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 23, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA444930
Entities
People
- Raphael F. Perl
Organizations
- Library of Congress