NCJ Number
99070
Journal
Terrrorism Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: (1985) Pages: 367-410
Editor(s)
Y Alexander,
P Baum,
R Danziger
Date Published
1985
Length
44 pages
Annotation
Twelve speakers discuss several issues related to terrorism, including trends and scenarios, responses to terrorism, legal and policy implications, the role of the business community and the media, and security.
Abstract
The introductory speaker examines reasons why terrorism is likely to increase in the future, including its effectiveness, the availability of arms and finances, social unrest, and weak international controls. Next, the keynote speaker attributes the increase in terrorism as an instrument of nondemocratic governments to American abandonment of the proposition that foreign policy and international relations should be guided by a regime of public international law. An examination of trends in terrorism looks at the increased acceptance of violence as a means of dispute resolution; these trends emphasize the need for a multilateral approach within an international legal framework. The adequacy of physical safeguards for nuclear weapons and weapons-usable material is next addressed. An examination of the varieties of terrorist acts and goals looks at short- and long-range United States policy responses, gaps in applicable Federal laws, and the advantages and inadequacies of current international approaches to the problem. A New York City police official discusses special law enforcement problems and his city's responses to terrorism. Media response to and coverage of terrorist acts are discussed in terms of more balanced reporting. Suggestions to the business community encompass the need for organizational efforts to improve planning, prevention, and communication. An international security consulting firm describes its activities in the areas of threat assessment and preventive measures.