A New Mindset for Countering Terrorism
Abstract
Since September 11, 2001, the United States has been gripped in an epic struggle against terrorism. The attacks on the United States homeland paralyzed the nation with a sense of vulnerability, but also instilled in it a resolve to retaliate and take the offensive to defeat terrorism. This has manifested itself in the Global War on Terrorism and has led to the U.S. invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq in an effort to force regime change upon a terrorist sanctuary and a rogue state, respectively. After nearly a decade of pursuing the War on Terrorism, it appears that U.S. efforts are failing to effectively combat terrorism and radical extremism is on the rise. U.S. actions are failing because policies do not reflect a basic understanding of the terrorism threat and the proper way to counter it. This paper examines the nation's flaws in pursuing the "War on Terrorism," questions whether a tactic such as terrorism can be defeated, and explores environmental components of the security problem that might bring us closer to a coherent policy for containing the effects of terrorism. Understanding the underlying causes of extremism, devising strategies that undercut the support and legitimacy of terrorist movements, and addressing the wider issues contributing to instability are essential to an effective policy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 14, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA559874
Entities
People
- Daniel P. Goldthorpe
Organizations
- United States Army War College