NCJ Number
40758
Date Published
1976
Length
21 pages
Annotation
PAPER PRESENTS THE SCOPE AND DEGREE OF MODERN TERRORISM, AND HOW IT SHOULD BE VIEWED AS A SOCIAL PHENOMENON.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR BEGINS BY SEEKING A DEFINITION FOR TERRORISM, APART FROM RANDOM, ALTHOUGH SPECTACULAR, CRIMES OF VIOLENCE. THE TERRORIST MIND IS EXAMINED TO PRESENT OFFICIALS WITH SOME INSIGHT INTO THIS FORM OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR. ONE OF THE OBSTACLES TO THE EXAMINATION OF TERRORISM, ACCORDING TO THE AUTHOR, HAS BEEN AN INCLINATION BY THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY TO SEE THE SUBJECT AS NOVEL. IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN A PERSPECTIVE ON THE ABILITY OF TERRORISTS TO WREAK TOTAL CHAOS. THE PAPER POINTS OUT TWO FACTORS PRESENT IN ALMOST ALL EXAMINATIONS OF TERRORISM, THE ANALYTICAL FOCUS AND THE PRESCRIPTIVE, THAT IS, WHAT IS HAPPENING AND WHAT SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT IT....BDS