NCJ Number
207734
Journal
Studies in Conflict & Terrorism Volume: 27 Issue: 5 Dated: September-October 2004 Pages: 439-454
Editor(s)
Bruce Hoffman
Date Published
September 2004
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article challenges the dominant view that the expressions of terrorism since the last decade of the 20th century are fundamentally new.
Abstract
Academic interest in terrorism has only been around since the early 1970’s. While much of the literature is not research-based, some important insights have been gained, notably in the areas of social science and political science. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, have given rise to a new wave of literature which qualifies the attacks as part of a new chapter in the history of terrorism. This new terrorism is supposedly unique because of the following prominent features: 1) the perpetrators of terrorism act transnationally and operate in loosely organized networks; 2) they are inspired by religion and are seen as religious fanatics; 3) they seek weapons, notably weapons of mass destruction, to attack as many people as possible; and 4) their victims are not carefully selected rather their targeting is indiscriminate. The article challenges the idea that these features are new to terrorism and points out that essential continuities exist between old terrorism and new terrorism, such as the territorial focus, the transnational links, and the network structures. Continuity also exists in the overlap between important aims that the terrorist organizations set themselves. Political, ideological, and religious themes strongly overlap, making clear goal-oriented distinctions problematic, if not impossible. In addition, continuity exists in the increase in scale and number of victims, the use of conventional weaponry, and the use of surprise, provocation, and publicity. This article calls for more thorough historical investigations of terrorism in order to appreciate the truly new aspects of terrorism. Notes