How are modern terrorists more violent than terrorists in the past? Be specific in demonstrating this and offer examples. Discuss how determining the answer to this question might play a role in how you would create anti-terrorism strategies?
Modern terrorists are more violent now than they have ever been in the past. Kegley (2006) states that “(…) [the] ability to switch tactics is a major reason why defending against terrorism is so difficult” (p. 25). This is largely due to the fact that terrorism changes with each counter terrorism effort. One example of this occurrence is the popular tactic used in the 1970s by terrorist organizations where the seizure of embassies and political icons yielded higher bargaining power for financial advancement and the widespread of political propaganda. In the 1980s, this particular tactic rendered lesser results as governments were less willing to negotiate with terrorists (Kegley, 2003, p. 24).
Terrorism is a constantly evolving “parasite,” which requires large financing efforts. According to White (2006), “(…) terrorism changed between the 1960s and the 1980s and most Western defense policies failed to account for the change” (p.66). White was referring to financing of terrorism and the unawareness of the governments which were trying to combat terrorism efforts. In recent years, we have been subjected by the media to the truth of how some of these terrorist groups finance their attacks. Terrorism is linked to organized crime and drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and even charities and legitimate business enterprises (White, 2006, p. 79).
Technology, and the increased use of it, serves as another catalyst for the advancement of terrorism. With the power of the Internet and the media, terrorist organizations can expedite their efforts in bringing their political/religious message to the masses. Technology also serves as a building tool for more sophisticated weapons of mass destruction. In the early 20th century, factions like the Irish Republican Army used primitive weapons and bombs in order to carry out their attacks. Now, the IRA is known as the “mother” of bomb making and uses of bombs in global scale terrorism (White, 2006, p. 24 & 26).
In retrospect, modern terrorists are more violent now than they have been before due to increased arsenal of knowledge, money, and technology. Terrorists switch their tactics in order to avoid losses or risk the chance of getting exposed. These organizations are becoming much more calculated institutions with an ability to evoke more destruction and fear by working together (with other terrorist groups) on multinational level. The terrorists change their organizational structures in order to keep current and vigilant against counter terrorism efforts.
It is my opinion that anti-terrorism strategies need not be dormant, but rather ephemeral and constantly updated. The financial channels terrorist groups rely on must be compromised and fully cut off. More resources should be directed towards transnational support and technology (in relation to force multipliers) in order to combat terrorism with the most current means available.
Resources:
Kegley, C.W. (2003). The New Global Terrorism; Characteristics, Causes, Controls. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
White, J.R. (2006). Terrorism and Homeland Security. (5th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson-Wadsworth.
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