StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Domestic Terrorism Analysis - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
The essay "Domestic Terrorism Analysis" discusses the effects of domestic terrorists concerning the destruction of human lives, economic impact, and public policy changes in the country. The evolution of domestic terrorism in the US is traced since the Civil War through the Vietnam War until contemporary times…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER91.4% of users find it useful
Domestic Terrorism Analysis
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Domestic Terrorism Analysis"

Running Head: Domestic Terrorism Domestic Terrorism Within a Thirty Year Period Introduction The evolution of domestic terrorism in the United scould be traced since the Civil War through the Vietnam War until contemporary times. To enable one to closely examine the acts of terrorism within a thirty year period, a presentation of relevant concepts pertinent to domestic terrorism should be provided. Due to the imposition of harm to society through violent means, terrorists’ acts continue to be scrutinized by experts with the objective of utilizing counterterrorist activities to immobilize these groups. It is in this regard that this essay is written to review and assess domestic terrorism in the United States within a thirty year period starting 1980s until 1999. Specifically, the essay aims to present the effects of acts of domestic terrorists in relation to destruction of human lives, economic impact and public policy changes in the country. Categories of Terrorist Related Activities One of the primary institutions in the country which is actively involved in studying terrorist activities is the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI classified terrorist related activities into three: (1) terrorist incident (“a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, in violation of the criminal laws of the United States, or of any state, to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives”); (2) suspected terrorist incident (“a potential act of terrorism for which responsibility cannot be attributed to a known or suspected group”); and (3) terrorism prevention (“is a documented instance in which a violent act by a known or suspected terrorist group or individual with the means and a proven propensity for violence is successfully interdicted through investigative activity”). (Terrorism in the United States 1999 ii) During the period under study, there are a total of 272 terrorist incidents, 55 suspected terrorist incidents and 130 terrorist preventions. (ibid. p. 10) Domestic terrorism is also being evaluated in terms of their motivation. Presley (1996) presented the delineation of terrorist activities according to the following motivations: “(1) religious convictions, (2) racial prejudice and supremacist goals, (3) anarchistic/anti-government/ politically motivated, or (4) in pursuit of unique special interests” (p. 15). Contemporary research reveals that these motivations have specifically identified group classifications of domestic terrorism. These groups were identified by the FBI study as of right-wing, left-wing, or special interest orientations. Their causes generally spring from issues relating to American political and social concerns. (ibid. p. 23). In related documents, groups from special interest orientations posed increasingly serious terrorist threats. These groups were identified as the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) and the Earth Liberation Front (ELF). Jarboe (2002) averred that “the FBI estimates that the ALF/ELF have committed more than 600 criminal acts in the United States since 1996, resulting in damages in excess of 43 million dollars”. (par. 1) In fact, Copeland (2004) in USA Today reported an updated damage attributed to eco-terrorism. Accordingly, he stressed that “eco-terrorism — acts of violence, sabotage or property damage motivated by concern for animals or the environment — was the nations top domestic terrorism threat. The bureau said then that eco-terrorists had committed more than 1,100 criminal acts and caused property damage estimated at least $110 million since 1976.” Relevant Statistics – Human Toll For the period under study, it was identified that there are a total of 457 terrorist activities in the United States. Out of these, a total of 2,037 have been injured and 205 were killed – bringing the total casualties to 2,242. The greatest number of casualties occurred in 1993 during the Tacoma, Washington bombing attributed to the American Front Skinheads where 1,042 were injured. This incident was seconded in 1995 during the Oklahoma City truck bombing where Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols were convicted. The FBI study revealed that Michael Fortier was found guilty of failing to alert authorities of the plot which caused 754 people to be injured and 169 people died.(ibid p.48) The updated reports on eco-terrorism revealed damages to properties amounting to $110 million since 1976 (Copeland 2004). It is a revelation that despite the damage in properties, no lives have been lost due to eco-terrorist activities (Frieden 2005). Economic Impact The effects of terrorist activities on the economy of a country besieged by violent attacks could not be ignored. These activities hamper investment opportunities and erode public and investor confidence. In addition, terrorist activities limit economic growth because more government funds are being allocated for security and defense. In a study conducted by Gaibulloev & Sandler (2008), some unifying principles of the economic impact of terrorism have been revealed from a survey conducted by Sandler and Enders (2008). According to the survey, “large developed economies are able to withstand terrorism and display little macroeconomic consequences. This is traced, in part, to these economies ability to regain peoples confidence through enhanced security. Advanced economies are more resilient and recover faster from shocks associated with terrorist incidents.” This is the reason why in the United States, extensive and comprehensive studies, evaluation and assessment techniques have been conducted to scrutinize terrorist activities. But still, the destruction of infrastructure and disruption of business activities cause a reduction in gross domestic product and growth of the nation. (ibid.) Public Policy Changes In response to impending threats posed by terrorist activities in the United States, the government has established the United States Government Interagency Domestic Terrorism Concept of Operations Plan (CONPLAN), a concerted efforts of six primary departments and agencies “designed to provide overall guidance to Federal, State and local agencies concerning how the Federal government would respond to a potential or actual terrorist threat or incident that occurs in the United States, particularly one involving Weapons of Mass Destruction”. (UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT INTERAGENCY DOMESTIC TERRORISM CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS PLAN 2001) This plan outlines directives, agencies responsibilities in times of terrorist attacks and incidents, threat levels, coordination protocols, and response operations. A study conducted by Perl (2001) outlined several policies available to combat terrorism, to wit: “past Administrations have employed a range of options to combat international terrorism, from diplomacy and international cooperation and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, protective security measures and military force. The application of sanctions is one of the most frequently used anti-terrorist tools of U.S. policymakers.” (p. 3) For victims of domestic terrorism, policy features include assistance to victims programs, counter terrorism research and development programs, diplomatic security program and other programs to combat terrorism such as “contingency planning; explosives detection; joint or multinational research, operational and training programs/exercises; nuclear materials safeguarding; chemical/biological weapon detection equipment development and disaster/crisis consequence management including training of first responders.” (ibid. p. 12) The United States government has placed primary importance to an effective and highly integrated response to threats posed by terrorist attacks. By detailing the agencies involved and itemizing each responsibility in times of imminent danger, the government would be assured that appropriate mechanisms and policies have been formulated and designed to appropriately respond to terrorism in the home front. Analysis The period under study revealed a drastic decrease in the frequency of domestic terrorist attacks as compared to levels recorded in the 1970s and 1980s. “Approximately 641 terrorist incidents occurred in the United States between 1971 and June 1975. Among these attacks were 166 bombings, 120 fire bombings, and 118 shootings.” (Terrorism in the United States 1999 p. 29). From 1980 to 1999, of total terrorist attacks of 457, there were 321 bombings, 21 assassinations and 16 arson – with domestic terrorist attacks numbering 322 as opposed to 135 international acts. However, with the decrease in frequency, it should be noted that terrorists have shifted their focus to utilizing Weapons of Mass Destruction which poses more danger to human lives, properties and environmental safety. Further, with the advancement in technology, terrorists utilize the World Wide Web as a means to proliferate their agenda. Thus, despite a decrease in frequency of domestic terrorist attacks, the government should remain vigilant in monitoring activities from various terrorist groups. With the comprehensive studies being undertaken by various government agencies, with the FBI as the lead agency to investigate the broad range of terrorist related activities in the domestic front and abroad, the nature and changing scope of terrorism would immediately be addressed. Conclusion Terrorist activities are becoming more diverse and complicated with advanced weapons of mass destruction posing severe danger to human lives. The history of domestic terrorism has evolved from a pattern of decreasing frequency due to the preventive mechanism, measures, policies implemented by the United States government. However, the advancement in technology still paves the way for terrorists to utilize other medium to pervade other sectors of the society. The best response is to remain vigilant and to continue the extensive efforts to thwart further violent attacks of terrorist to ensure the preservation of human lives. References Copeland, L. (2004). Domestic terrorism: New trouble at home. USA Today. Retrieved On May 7, 2009 from < http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-11-14- domestic-terrorism_x.htm> Frieden, T. (2005). FBI, ATF address domestic terrorism. Officials: Extremists pose serious threat. CNN. Retrieved on May 7, 2009 from Gaibulloev, K. & Sandler, T. (2008). The Impact of Terrorism and Conflicts on Growth in Asia, 1970–2004. ADB Institute. Retrieved on May 7, 2009 from < http://www.adbi.org/discussion-paper/2008/07/25/2665.terrorism.impact.growth.conflicts.asia.1970.2004/references/> Jarboe, J.F. (2002). The Threat of Eco-Terrorism. Retrieved on May 7, 2009 from Perl, R.F. (2001). Terrorism, the Future, and U.S. Foreign Policy. Congressional Research Service. The Library of Congress. Retrieved on May 7, 2009 from < http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB55/crs20010913.pdf> Presley, S.M. (1996). Rise of Domestic Terrorism and Its Relation to United States Armed Forces. Retrieved on May 7, 2009 from UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT INTERAGENCY DOMESTIC TERRORISM CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS PLAN (2001). Retrieved on May 7, 2009 from Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(Domestic Terrorism Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words, n.d.)
Domestic Terrorism Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words. https://studentshare.org/military/1554697-domestic-terrorism
(Domestic Terrorism Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 Words)
Domestic Terrorism Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 Words. https://studentshare.org/military/1554697-domestic-terrorism.
“Domestic Terrorism Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 Words”. https://studentshare.org/military/1554697-domestic-terrorism.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Domestic Terrorism Analysis

Combating Future Terrorism

The United States asS a region, through the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) domestic terrorism has been described as the violence focusing on populations or the nation's facilities but have no foreign direction.... In this sense, the distinction between international and domestic terrorism is not based on where the violent acts take place but rather, on the responsible groups' or individuals' origin (Enders & Sandler, 2006).... terrorism entails the systematic, although unauthorized, use of intimidation, terror or extreme violence as coercion means to achieve political objectives....
10 Pages (2500 words) Essay

Domestic Terror in the United States

domestic terrorism, as defined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is “illegal utilization of force by individuals or groups hailing from the same nation against individuals or properties in an effort to elicit intimidation or coercion of government, citizens, or any… For there to be actions that can be legally mandated and evaluated as terrorism, there must be three specific criteria implemented.... domestic terrorism is characterized as a holistic blend of the aforementioned objectives and activities, which occur within a national region, which are conducted against social systems and ideologies, governmental actors, and citizenry communities....
16 Pages (4000 words) Term Paper

Terrorism Finance and Crime

It is categorized under three branches: domestic terrorism, international terrorism and federal crime terrorism.... domestic terrorism is among people of one nation while international terrorism is that of a group in one country targeting another country.... This essay describes that terrorism is the act of using violence with political or religious intentions and its purpose is to create fear to its target.... … terrorism is either classified based on the motive....
3 Pages (750 words) Essay

Extra credit

The goals of the agency entail generating terrorism information for analysis by the anti-terrorism community.... The basic definition of terrorism only entails the violent behaviors that are aimed at generating fear; and are conducted due to several reasons including religious, ideological and political… The violent behaviors are targeted without adequate regard for the safety of the non-combatants like the civilians, neutral armed forces, and humanitarian personnel....
2 Pages (500 words) Book Report/Review

Citizens against Domestic Terrorism

The paper “Citizens against domestic terrorism” evaluates growth in domestic terrorism, whether home-grown or introduced through external agents.... The constructs of domestic terrorism are dynamic and complex, requiring intervention and analyses from a variety of federal agencies.... hellip; The author states that the Federal Bureau of Investigation defines domestic terrorism as the unlawful use of force against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population in the furtherance of political objectives....
10 Pages (2500 words) Term Paper

Why Governments Promote Terrorism

"Why Governments Promote terrorism" paper investigates why the Colombian government through its policies and emissions directly or indirectly promotes terrorism.... nbsp; In fact, small groups opposing influential states engage in terrorism, but states and administrations also have the capacity to engage in terrorism practices.... All over history, terrorism has assumed various forms.... Similarly, terrorism is not centered on any team or ideology....
6 Pages (1500 words) Coursework

The Causes of Domestic Terrorism in Iraq since 2003

The major reason for domestic terrorism in Iraq seems to be the clashes and conflicts between prominent ethnic groups in Islam.... This paper "The Causes of domestic terrorism in Iraq since 2003" analyses the reasons for increasing domestic terrorism in Iraq.... domestic terrorism involves violence against the civilian population or infrastructure of a nation—often but not always by citizens of that nation and often with the intent to intimidate, coerce, or influence national policy....
12 Pages (3000 words) Research Paper

Domestic Terrorist Group vs International Terrorist Organization

hellip; terrorism is increasing day by day in different countries of the world.... terrorism is the other name of violence act.... Religious, ideological, political and different other factors play a vital role in promoting and increasing terrorism.... terrorism influences people in performing violent acts.... Both of these terrorist organizations of different countries are playing a vital role in hampering the normal lives of the people and increasing global terrorism....
9 Pages (2250 words) Research Paper
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us