...605 Term Paper This paper will provide a theoretical framework to answer the question of why it is that people commit terrorist acts. There are many speculations as to why an individual decides to partake in terrorism. This paper will examine three theoretical models that may have some utility in explaining why an individual might decide to be involved in terrorist activities. One reason why a person would involve themselves with terrorist acts is theorized by Gottredson and Hirschi's Self-control Theory, in that, those individuals with low self-control are more likely to be influenced and involved with participating in terrorist acts. A second reason why a person may chose to be involved with terrorist acts is described by Wikstrom's Situational Action Theory; that there's a situational mechanism linking person and environment to actions. In other words, an individual's perceptions of action alternatives are influenced by that person's morality and executive capabilities. A third, and final reason as to why an individual might involve themselves in terrorist activities, is Stryker's idea of Identity Theory. It explains social behavior in terms of the reciprocal relations between self and society. In other words, society affects social behavior through its influence on self. This in turn will help explain why a person would commit a terrorist act. It is important to first define exactly what is meant by the word terrorism. Once there is an understanding of the...
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...surveillance on people suspected of terrorism that do not harbor ties to any terrorist organization, and searching business records. It also allows the FBI to search through financial, telephone, and email records without receiving a court ordered warrant. However, this is controversial because the American people are supposed to be...
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...psychologically deranged – in fact, psychologists who have studied terrorist groups have found that terrorists tend to be stable individuals, not paranoid or delusional. However, determining what drives people to terrorism is no easy task. Researchers admit that the psychology of terrorism is marked more by theory and opinion than by good science. In this paper, I will make my arguments of what makes a terrorist “tick” and what psychological factors contribute to the dangerous individual who is willing to give their life for a political and group cause. We will look at who is a terrorist and the key elements of the anger, hatred and lack of empathy. What binds terrorists to the cause and...
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...Lone Wolf Terrorism Introduction Problem background and significance In the United States terrorism incidents such as the attack in 1995 in Oklahoma by Timothy McVeigh and the September 11th attack in 2001, have led to the realization that lone wolf terrorism posses a grave threat to the safety of the public. Terrorism analysts and law enforcement authorities have insisted that it is hard to spot lone terrorists before they strike and this is of great threat to the security of a nation. From FBI information it is evident that lone terrorism trends indicate that it is an ongoing risk both in side the United States and outside the country (Risen & Johnston, 2003) In 2003 the director of the FBI stated that there was an increased threat from persons who are affiliated or sympathetic with the Al Qaeda and they act without having any conspiracies surrounding them or external support. Scholars in the field of terrorism have in the past concentrated on the how terrorist groups work so as to explain how individuals work. The general view of terrorism is that it is a group activity which is mainly influenced by leaders training, recruitment, obedience and conformity, solidarity and moral disengagement. Due to the imbalance that exists between the focus by scholars on terrorism that is group based on one hand and apparent threat posed by lone wolf terrorist on the other hand, necessitates the empirical and conceptual analysis of lone wolf terrorism so as to establish a good understanding...
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...James Janosz Political Science 495 Terrorism December 14th, 2009 The Changing Look of Terrorism The purpose of this paper is to study and look at how terrorism has changed from pre 9/11, to post 9/11, to the current and future times. The United States is currently fighting the war on terror. But who is the enemy to the war? Can terrorism actually be considered an enemy? The answers to these questions are difficult to answer and defend, depending on the circumstances. But the key constant to the question is, there is no internationally agreed definition of terrorism. Common definitions of terrorism refer only to those violent acts which are intended to create fear/terror, are perpetrated for an ideological/political goal, and deliberately target or disregard the safety of civilian targets. The first section of this paper will deal with both views of the changing face of terrorism from pre 9/11, to post 9/11, and to the present day. The next section of this paper will discuss the variables of why terrorism has changed. In conclusion this paper will summarize the study of the changing face in terrorism. Throughout this paper there will be historical facts, evidence, theories, and analysis to support my argument how terrorism has changed over time. The language of terrorism that we, as Americans read it as, on September 11, 2001, two American airplanes flew into the World Trade Center and another into the Pentagon, while yet another suspiciously crashed in a deserted Pennsylvania...
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...time, has been a prime target for foreign as well as domestic terrorist threats and attacks. As a result of these despicable actions new laws and acts have emerged with a pugnacious orientation. This paper highlights The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978, the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, and the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001. Understanding the aspects that form these Acts will broaden the understanding of the results enforced by them. Our national security is imperative for the American population to prosper. Effective October 25, 1978, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance act of 1978 or FISA was the result of congressional investigations into federal surveillance activities conducted on behalf of national security. By this act, in order to actively monitor national security threats, Congress desired to approve legalistic and congressional oversight of foreign intelligence surveillance activities. Subsequently, electronic surveillance and the ability to physically locate individuals related to espionage or international terrorism affecting the US was also stipulated. In addition, as the statute describes there may be engagement in applying surveillance to the American population if the court dictates that there is a probable cause, meaning a relation with foreign powers. Many Americans may see this as something wrong and maybe even invasive to the personal life, and although I think it is, this act is about security. Opening up and having...
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...Domestic Terrorism Group: Army of God James Reed Advanced Topics in Criminal Justice Professor Ray Newman Colorado Technical University Online September 2, 2013 Domestic Terrorism Group: Army of God This paper will discuss a domestic terrorism group called the Army of God and why they chose to be terrorists. It will also discuss what the organizations views are and the types of crimes they are associated with. The strategies that law informant has used against the Army of God to prevent any attacks from this group and what precautions will law enforcement need to take before apprehending a member from this group. This paper will also discuss how the local court systems handle domestic terrorism. Finally, should domestic terrorist be tried in local, state, or federal courts? The reason the people of Army of God choose to be terrorists is to stop and make all abortion illegal and they will do this by any means they can and harm homosexuals. They twist the meaning of scripture to say God approves of what they are doing by destroying the sin and sinner (Understanding the, 2013). The Army of God is and anti-homosexual and abortion extremist group who believe that the use of violence is acceptable to stop homosexuality and abortions (The Army, 2010). They believe they are the army of God, God is the General and Commander and Chief and they are the soldiers carrying out his duty. The group started in the early 1980’s and founded by Reverend Michael Bray (The Army, 2010)...
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...Terrorism Paper Damon Walton His/145 Dec 3, 2012 Senitra Upton Terrorism Paper The word "terrorism" is politically and emotionally charged which compounds the difficulty of providing an accurate definition of terrorism. Some research studies by scholars have shown there to be over 100 different definitions of terrorism. A less politically and emotionally charged meaning of terrorism is a better defined term used for terror. The word "terror" comes from a Latin word meaning "to frighten.” My definition of terrorism is a violent act which is intended to create fear, to promote an ideological/political goal, and deliberately target civilians and non civilian targets. The age of modern terrorism might be said to have begun in1968 when the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) hijacked an El Al airliner en route from Tel Aviv to Rome. While hijackings of airliners had occurred before, this was the first time that the nationality of the carrier (Israeli) and its symbolic value was a specific operational aim. Also a first was the deliberate use of the passengers as hostages for demands made publicly against the Israeli government. The combination of these unique events, added to the international scope of the operation, and gained significant media attention. The founder of PFLP, Dr. George Habash observed that the level of coverage was tremendously greater than battles with Israeli soldiers in their previous area of operations. "At least the world is...
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...Running Head: Linguistics and The War on Terrorism Constructing Reality Through Linguistics: The Political Implications of The War on Terrorism The catastrophic events that occurred on September 11th, 2001 had a multitude of immediate ill-effects, including the death of 2996 people, the loss of 105 billion dollars, as well as the launch of the War on Terrorism through the four coordinated suicide attacks targeting New York and Washington (Averill, 2001). Although not as obvious, the less tangible effects of 9/11 are apparent in our every day lives through instances of increased national security, Islamic phobias, as well as the decade-long War in Iraq, costing the United States over three trillion dollars thus far (Trotta, 2011). Language has played a critical role in creating these shifts within our culture and is the major tool in justifying actions, persuading citizens and constructing realities about terrorism and war. These linguistic tools, such as framing, recontextualization, and jargon work together to cloud the perception of these political issues. As Hasan (1996) states, “We not only use language to shape reality, but we use it also to defend that reality, against anyone whose alternative values might threaten ours.” Framing is a process used by news media outlets and their respective endorsers to manipulate and select the facts presented about a particular event. Specific tones are used, catchphrases are repeated, and headlines are used to highlight a particular...
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...Introduction This assignment comprises of two articles, which deal with International Terrorism How not to fight Terrorism by Mukul Sharma and Exporting the Patriot Act? Democracy and the ‘war on terror’ in the Third World by Beth Elise Whitaker and a report named The Terror of Law UAPA and the Myth of National Security, by CDRO, which deals with terrorism on National level. The basic definition of terrorism is ‘the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purpose.’ An act of terrorism might be terrorism to one country whereas patriotism to another country. There are different definitions of terrorism by different agencies. There is no accurate definition of Terrorism as there is difference of opinion...
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...THE ROLE OF UNO IN COUNTERING TERRORISM UNO ROLE IN COUNTERING TERRORISM ABSTRACT: The UNO is one of the most significant international organizations for maintaining world peace and security.Today this peace is threatened by the scourge of terrorism especially after 9/11 incident in 2001.As the main aim of UNO is to maintain international peace and security; therefore it takes the responsibility of countering this menance.This paper gives a detail of some of the resolutions, conventions and other activities that UNO has carried out to counter terrorism. The worth mentioning of these are the Global Counter terrorism strategy, Counter Terrorism Implementation Task Force and the resolutions passed by UNO. All the organs of the Organization especially the Security Council and the General Assembly are playing an active role. In this paper the main focus is on the General Assembly and Security Councils response to Terrorism Although there is lack of practical implementation but still a hope is there that by mutual cooperation and collective actions they would be able to fight terrorism and establish peace in the world. INTRODUCTION: The UN Charter provided the legal basis of the activities of countering terrorism on 25 June 1945.The states declared their determination to work together for maintaining world peace and security. The UN charter has been used as a tool to combat terrorism but with the passage of time this issue has...
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...Associate Level Material Appendix B The USA PATRIOT ACT Provisions Table Use the table below to organize information about the USA PATRIOT ACT. From the Electronic Reserve Reading article Update: USA Patriot Act, identify and classify characteristics of PATRIOT ACT provisions. Describe how each provision either poses potential risks to civil liberties, aids the War on Terror, or possibly both. While completing the table, consider what each provision means to you on a personal level. For example, Section 218 makes it easier for federal agents to open a criminal case on you or other citizens, should there be significant purpose to do so; yet, the same provision makes it easier for federal agents to gather information on a terrorist, and possibly prevent that terrorist from committing future crimes. |Provision |Risks to Civil Liberties |Aids the War on Terror | |Section 218 |Allows agents to obtain FISA warrants, requiring less |This provision makes it easier for agents to open a | | |evidence of wrongdoing, which can be subject to abuse |criminal case on terrorists, possibly preventing that | | |in domestic criminal cases. Only a significant |terrorist from committing future crimes. Reduces | | |investigative purpose is required to obtain a FISA |barriers between intelligence work and criminal | | ...
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...Terrorism Abraham Andrade November 22, 2012 His/145 The American experience since 1945 Terrorism Terrorism is a systematic method to cause terror. Terrorism is most defined as violent acts as a means of coercion. Common definitions of terrorism refer only to those violent acts that are intended to create fear and are perpetrated for a religious, political or, ideological goal; to deliberately target or disregard the safety of civilians. In the years following the September 11, 2001, attacks in America, terrorist incidents on the United States soil has totaled 33; more than 190 incidents in other countries like the United Kingdom. Countries like Israel report numbers in the thousands (National Counterterrorism Center, 2011). This paper will discuss the reasons as to why terrorism activity is higher in certain areas of the world. The paper will also discuss the relationship between different attacks, and if laws and procedures could prevent future attacks. The way terrorism affects the lives of America, and finally, I will discuss how terrorism has changed and influenced The Unites States’ priorities. Terrorism has existed as long as mankind. Today terrorism is systematic; it has evolved with the growth of resources and technology. These changes and the development in the world have added efficiency to the success of terrorists; however, the national security deficiencies can be credited for the majority of these attacks. Different countries have different procedures...
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...Political Science 004 27 April 2014 Terrorism Affects Us All From the late 13th and the beginnings of the 14th century to the 1700s, the terror and barbarism were actually already used in warfare and conflicts. However, the key ingredients for terrorism were not quite solid yet. Until the rise of the modern nation state subsequently the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, the type of central authority and a united society that terrorism tries to influence scarcely existed. Communications were controlled, and the facts that might cause terrorism, such as religion, insurrection, political disagreements, typically led to an open warfare during earlier times of civilization. By the time kingdoms turned into nations, they had sufficient reasons to enforce their authority and repress activities such as terrorism. According to the webpage Terrorism Research, “The French Revolution provided the first uses of the words "Terrorist" and "Terrorism". The use of the word "terrorism" began in 1795 in reference to the Reign of Terror initiated by the Revolutionary government.” In other words, the agents of the Committee of Public Safety and the National Convention that administered and enforced the policies of "The Terror" were called 'Terrorists". The words terrorist and terrorism can cause an immediate effect in people’s minds. People often just relate terrorism to power and politics, but what is the real meaning of Terrorism? Every time I hear the word terrorism, I unconsciously think of Religion...
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...calls this Atmoterrorism. Peter Sloterdijk defined the 20th century as these three things “the practice of terrorism, the concept of product design, and environmental thinking” (reference p.9). And for him, there was one day in particular that marked the beginning of the 20th century; it was on April the 22nd of 1915. On that epoch, the unexpected happened at Ypres in Northern France during World War 1, when the army of Germany attacked using chlorine gas, making this the first act of gas warfare in history. It was this event in which modernity arose, no longer would attacking involve death to only the enemies, but now to their environment and the air they breathe. The evolution of using poisonous gas would cause harm and destruction to everything essential for living, it was also a sign that traditional war was no longer, but more so classed as terrorism. The first one of the three themes that outlines the 20th century is the practice of terrorism, which was when enemy interaction was established on a post- militaristic basis (Sloterdijk, 2009, p.29REFERENCE). During this time of war is when the discovery of the atmosphere and ecosystem transpired, this lead to human survival being compromised. Atmoterrorism is disreputable for the critical harm onto the environment, which was originally shifted away from the enemy. It is crucial to insist on identifying terrorism as a child of modernity, insofar as its exact definition was forged only after the principle of attacking an...
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