Assessing Research on International Terrorism (From International Terrorism: Policy Implications, P 131-135, 1991, Susan Flood, ed. -- See NCJ-132889)

• NCJ Number: 132900
• Author(s): Y Alexander
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: University of Illinois at Chicago
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Terrorism research generally involves three goals that pertain to the prevention of terrorism before it occurs, the importance of adequate contingency planning, and what can be learned from the present.

Abstract

One of the key challenges of research is the problem of definition and conceptual confusion. Another challenge is that terrorism is an "orphan" in the academic sense. No single discipline encompasses terrorism; therefore, an interdisciplinary approach is necessary. There is also the challenge of classification involving decisions as to what information is open to the public and what is classified. A primary need in terrorism research is an organizational structure for counterterrorism. In addition, a data base covering groups, operations, leaders, members, and strategies that have succeeded or failed is essential. More information is needed on the psychology of terrorists and on who future perpetrators will be. Two of the major trends in terrorism research have been to study religious fanaticism and narcoterrorism. Consideration must also be given to the use of new terrorist tactics, the potential for biological and chemical terrorist attacks, and how terrorists are trained and financed. The question of capturing, punishing, and rehabilitating terrorists also requires more attention.