Terrorist objectives, methods, and their psychological impact

To affect political, social, economic, or religious change through the use of fear and intimidation◦unable to accomplish objectives through

legitimate or democratic process◦unable to directly confront their

opposition militarily

Terror involves inflicting fear and anxiety on the victim(s)

Terror can be either goal oriented or it can be for any unnecessary reason.

PRINCIPLE: A special type of principle followed by the group of people.

A person does not follow terrorism, but his path is called terrorism after the judgement done by other third parties.

It stops the developmental activities. Social disorder. Invites Violence. Creates Fear. Mass destruction. Affects economical. Death of innocent people.

To instill “terror” in target audience◦ by using the most terrifying means available,

including kidnapping, assassination, bomb blasts, etc.

◦ by affecting many more people than directly affected by physical actions media and government-response play a critical role

in the impact of terrorism

Hard targets◦ high-ranking government officials◦ military bases◦ fortified police stations (e.g., Northern Ireland)

Soft targets◦ individual civilians◦ shopping areas◦ schools◦ cultural, sporting, & religious venues

Terrorist tactics probably work best against democracies, where targeting civilian populations has the greatest effect (i.e., civilians elect the government which sets the policy the terrorists wish to change)

209Killed

1,202 physically injured

9,000+ psychologically ‘injured’

10,000’s terrorized

178Killed

1000’sphysically injured

10000’s psychologically ‘injured’

100,000’s terrorized

3,025Killed

1,000’s physically injured

10,000+ psychologically ‘injured’

A nation terrorized

Response to terrorism is determined by social cognition and other dynamics◦ Madrid train bombing (11 March 2004)

elect new government withdraw troops from Iraq

◦ 9/11 attack on America solidify government support Bush doctrine: hunt & kill

End of Part I

What are the methods of terrorists? (e.g. targeting civilian populations)

Why do terrorists use the tactics of terrorism?

Considerations for developing effective counter-terrorist strategies

“One person’s terrorist is another person’s freedom fighter”◦ organized terrorism is seldom rooted in mental

illness there is often some legitimate goal for the terrorist

organization there is usually a broad support base

◦ but very few terrorists are open to compromise

Most terrorists seek national or regional change

Some terrorists seek global change◦ most have specific, tangible objectives (even if

irrational)◦ a few have apocalyptic motives

Their demands usually involve radical change in the status quo◦ uniting Northern Ireland with the Republic of

Ireland in the south◦ formation of the state of Palestine◦ overthrow of the secular Egyptian government◦ establishment of an Islamic state in Iraq &

removal of Western influence

The more one ‘invests’ in a cause, the stronger that cause is psychologically defended

The transition from activist to terrorist (and the willingness to use violent methods) involves psychological changes that tend to dichotomize the ‘world’

Show the terrorists to be irrational fanatics who threaten global peace and stability

Develop allies who have a common interest in neutralizing the terrorist threat

Develop a clear multinational plan for combating terrorism

Minimize social-political conditions that spawn terrorism

Isolate the terrorists Divide political factions Rally allies against terrorism Harsh and severe retaliatory action Temper media coverage

There are many cases in the 20th Century where terrorist tactics were effectively used to force change or to right an injustice◦ Republic of Ireland (although the Northern

counties remain in dispute)◦ State of Israel (although national

boundaries remain in dispute)◦ De-colonization & sovereignty of African

nations

1921

1948

1950s &

1960s

Diplomacy when possible, but◦ unlikely to work in most situations◦ reinforces terrorist tactics

Undermine terrorist support Direct physical confrontation

◦ hunt and kill◦ neutralize “breeding grounds”

Temper media coverage

Conditions have changed radically ◦ national sovereignty is no longer the primary force

behind many terrorist organizations ◦ some terrorist organizations seek global changes

extending well beyond their social, political, economic, or religious spheres of influence (e.g., a “New World Order”)

Diplomacy when possible, but◦ unlikely to work in most situations◦ reinforces terrorist tactics

Undermine terrorist support

Diminish social-economic conditions that present legitimate grievances◦ food and economic aid◦ combat social, religious, economic, and political

suppression Provide alternative, rational plan for

resolving the conflict

Neutralize support base◦ foreign governments◦ popular/civilian sympathizers◦ other terrorist organizations

Exploit differences and conflicts among individual factions of the terrorist movement

Consider supporting factions willing to adopt a non-terrorist approach to achieving objectives

Diplomacy when possible, but◦ unlikely to work in most situations◦ reinforces terrorist tactics

Undermine terrorist support Direct physical confrontation

◦ hunt and kill◦ destroy or neutralize “breeding grounds”

Minimize social-political conditions that spawn terrorism (first priority from list of responses)

Covert operations when feasible Direct military action when appropriate (e.g.

Bush doctrine)

Diplomacy when possible, but◦ unlikely to work in most situations◦ reinforces terrorist tactics

Undermine terrorist support Direct physical confrontation

◦ hunt and kill◦ neutralize “breeding grounds”

Temper media coverage

The media are (mostly unwilling) allies of the terrorists

The media need to self-censor coverage and not just push the most sensationalistic story◦ confirm story & factual information◦ present clear & balanced perspective◦ consider impact of coverage

Terrorism is a global problem that is not going away without direct action◦ terrorism affects many people far removed from

the terrorist activity◦ terrorists seldom compromise

An effective response to terrorism requires decisive and often harsh action, uncharacteristic of the traditional American Psyche

What terrorist groups were active in previous generations? Did they achieve their goals?

What are some of the major terrorist groups active today? Which are the most serious threat worldwide?