Illusions of Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
World Politics ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Scholarly Literature ◽  
Global Context ◽  
Counter Terrorism ◽  
State Terrorism ◽  
Original Argument ◽  
Do So

Terrorism and counter-terrorism represent enduringly and globally important phenomena, and the mutually shaping relationship between non-state terrorism and state counter-terrorism continues to shape world politics. Illusions of Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism brings together leading scholars in the field to analyse this relationship, and to do so in a distinctive manner. The book sustainedly assesses the interaction of terrorism and counter-terrorism through drawing simultaneously on a range of academic disciplines in dialogue with one another; it addresses the dynamics of counter-terrorism more interrogatively and concentratedly than is common in much of the scholarly literature; and it highlights a theme that is all too rarely considered in the field: namely, the shared and mutually echoing failings and illusions involved in the politics of terrorism and counter-terrorism alike. Chapters analyse post-9/11 counter-terrorism, the ongoing evolution of al-Qaida, the imperatives and challenges and global context of western counter-terrorist efforts, and the reasons behind terrorist campaigns sometimes enduring and sometimes coming to an end. Candid and wide-ranging, Illusions of Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism offers rigorous and original argument on a subject of the highest significance.

Introduction

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard English
Keyword(s):  
Organisational Development ◽  
Scholarly Literature ◽  
Counter Terrorism ◽  
State Response ◽  
State Terrorism ◽  
Original Analysis ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
New Framework

The scholarly literature on terrorism has offered important insights into the dynamics of non-state terrorism, and also into the very varied responses that have been developed in reaction to it. Crucial within such debates have been the issues of definition, of terrorist efficacy, of appropriate state response, of non-state terrorist organisational development, and of the most fruitful hermeneutical framework within which to analyse terrorism and terrorists. This chapter summarises some of the most significant work to date on these issues. But it argues also for a new framework for analysis: one that looks synoptically at terrorism, counter-terrorism, and the relationship between them; and one that is genuinely multi-disciplinary and open to policy seriousness. It then introduces the different ways in which the book's contributors offer important and original analysis of the key areas that are covered in the book, analysis which is situated within this new framework.

Terrorism-Related Chemical, Biological, Radiation, and Nuclear Attacks: A Historical Global Comparison Influencing the Emergence of Counter-Terrorism Medicine

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Derrick Tin ◽  
Fredrik Granholm ◽  
Alexander Hart ◽  
Gregory R. Ciottone
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Terrorist Attacks ◽  
Fecal Matter ◽  
Counter Terrorism ◽  
Global Comparison ◽  
State Terrorism ◽  
Fatal Injuries

Abstract Background: Terrorist attacks are growing in complexity, increasing concerns around the use of chemical, biological, radiation, and nuclear (CBRN) agents. This has led to increasing interest in Counter-Terrorism Medicine (CTM) as a Disaster Medicine (DM) sub-specialty. This study aims to provide the epidemiology of CBRN use in terrorism, to detail specific agents used, and to develop training programs for responders. Methods: The open-source Global Terrorism Database (GTD) was searched for all CBRN attacks from January 1, 1970 through December 31, 2018. Attacks were included if they fulfilled the terrorism-related criteria as set by the GTD’s Codebook. Ambiguous events or those meeting only partial criteria were excluded. The database does not include acts of state terrorism. Results: There were 390 total CBRN incidents, causing 930 total fatal injuries (FI) and 14,167 total non-fatal injuries (NFI). A total of 347 chemical attacks (88.9% of total) caused 921 FI (99.0%) and 13,361 NFI (94.3%). Thirty-one biological attacks (8.0%) caused nine FI (1.0%) and 806 NFI (5.7%). Twelve radiation attacks (3.1%) caused zero FI and zero NFI. There were no nuclear attacks. The use of CBRN accounted for less than 0.3% of all terrorist attacks and is a high-risk, low-frequency attack methodology. The Taliban was implicated in 40 of the 347 chemical events, utilizing a mixture of agents including unconfirmed chemical gases (grey literature suggests white phosphorous and chlorine), contaminating water sources with pesticides, and the use of corrosive acid. The Sarin gas attack in Tokyo contributed to 5,500 NFI. Biological attacks accounted for 8.0% of CBRN attacks. Anthrax was used or suspected in 20 of the 31 events, followed by salmonella (5), ricin (3), fecal matter (1), botulinum toxin (1), and HIV (1). Radiation attacks accounted for 3.1% of CBRN attacks. Monazite was used in 10 of the 12 events, followed by iodine 131 (1) and undetermined irradiated plates (1). Conclusion: Currently, CBRN are low-frequency, high-impact attack modalities and remain a concern given the rising rate of terrorist events. Counter-Terrorism Medicine is a developing DM sub-specialty focusing on the mitigation of health care risks from such events. First responders and health care workers should be aware of historic use of CBRN weapons regionally and globally, and should train and prepare to respond appropriately.

scholarly journals State Terrorism and Counter-terrorism

Terrorism ◽  
2004 ◽  
pp. 113-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Primoratz
Keyword(s):  
Counter Terrorism ◽  
State Terrorism

THE WIDENING GYRE: COUNTER-TERRORISM, HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE RULE OF LAW

2008 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Chaskalson
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Rule Of Law ◽  
The Internet ◽  
The Rule Of Law ◽  
Counter Terrorism ◽  
Daunting Task ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Google Search ◽  
Is Value ◽  
Do So

There are two themes that recur in previous Sir David Williams lectures. First, that it is a considerable honour to be invited to give the lecture. Secondly, that it is a daunting task to do so in the presence of Sir David, particularly in a field in which he has expertise. Since that covers most of the law there is no escape from this dilemma. Let me then acknowledge the privilege of having been asked to give this year's lecture, and confess that it is with some trepidation that I do so. The subject, terrorism and human rights, is not exactly uncharted territory. When I looked into the internet for some guidance on what might be relevant to terrorism and human rights, the response to my Google search informed me that in .03 seconds 32,900,000 references had been found. This seemed to indicate that it was unlikely that I would be able to say anything that has not already been said. But there are some subjects that are of such importance that there is value in reminding ourselves of the issues that are at stake, and if necessary for that purpose, repeating what others have said. And it is with that in mind that I approach my chosen topic.

Improvising an Institution

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Bowen
Keyword(s):  
Global Context ◽  
Everyday Practices ◽  
The Everyday ◽  
Islamic Jurisprudence ◽  
The World ◽  
Muslim Majority ◽  
Do So

This chapter examines the everyday practices at the Islamic Shariʻa Council, London (ISC). ISC scholars do what judges do in courts throughout the world: they try to arrive at a reasonable outcome in a way that is consistent with their own procedures and with their understanding of the relevant law. However, the ISC scholars do so in a global context of Islamic jurisprudence and of transnational movement: clients come to them from dozens of countries, many of them will return to those (or other) countries, and from time to time Islamic scholars from prestigious religious faculties drop in to observe. Understandably, the scholars on this and other councils discuss whether their practices fit with those of Muslim-majority countries and with positions taken by those prestigious Islamic scholars.

PP34 The experiences and attitudes of ambulance staff towards the counter-terrorism ‘PREVENT’ training: a survey-based service evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (9) ◽  
pp. A14.2-A14
Author(s):  
Tessa Mochrie ◽  
Theresa Foster ◽  
Larissa Prothero ◽  
Nigel South
Keyword(s):  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Ambulance Service ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Duty Of Care ◽  
Training Module ◽  
Counter Terrorism ◽  
Service Setting ◽  
Emergency Ambulance ◽  
Question Survey ◽  
Do So

BackgroundUnderstanding the views and opinions of ambulance clinicians about counter-terrorism is limited, as are the roles they have in identifying individuals vulnerable to radicalisation. The aim of this survey was to investigate ambulance clinician views and preparedness to identify individuals at risk of radicalisation and whether the current national PREVENT training offered is suitable for this clinical setting.MethodsA purpose-designed, 18-question survey, was developed to understand staff attitudes and content knowledge of the national PREVENT training module. The survey was opened to all emergency ambulance clinicians in one UK ambulance service during August 2020, resulting in a sample of 123 responses which were analysed using descriptive and thematic approaches.ResultsMost respondents (87%; n=107) were aware of the PREVENT strategy, with almost three-quarters (73%; n=90) receiving training within the previous three years. Respondents were asked to score training received: the majority (89%; n=110) reported 5/10 or less. Whilst most (79%; n=97) identified the correct way to refer an individual, few had completed a PREVENT referral (9%; n=11). ‘Gut instinct’ was utilised by respondents to support their knowledge obtained via PREVENT training (70%, n=86). Respondents felt the national PREVENT training lacked relevance to their role and recommended ambulance-specific training packages be made available. They recognised their responsibility of identifying radicalisation and the opportunities their unique position offered to do so. Having a ‘duty of care’ and ‘moral responsibilities’ to make PREVENT referrals, and the importance of treating individuals as patients (not criminals), was also highlighted.ConclusionsAmbulance staff have highlighted the importance of a clear and robust referral pathway for individuals vulnerable to radicalisation. Current training lacks specificity and effectiveness for the ambulance service setting. As this survey was limited to one ambulance service, future research is warranted to ensure PREVENT training is appropriate for all ambulance staff.

scholarly journals Decolonising war

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarak Barkawi
Keyword(s):  
State Formation ◽  
Political Thought ◽  
World Politics ◽  
Nation State ◽  
The West ◽  
War And Society ◽  
Small War ◽  
Nation State Formation ◽  
Do So

AbstractWhat would it mean to decolonise the concept of war? ‘Decolonising’ means critiquing the ways in which Eurocentric ideas and historiographies have informed the basic categories of social and political thought. Dominant understandings of the concept of war derive from histories and sociologies of nation-state formation in the West. Accordingly, I critique this Eurocentric concept of war from the perspective of Small War in the colonies, that is, from the perspective of different histories and geographies of war and society than were assumed to exist in the West. I do so in order to outline a postcolonial concept of war and to identify some of the principles of inquiry that would inform a postcolonial war studies. These include conceiving force as an ordinary dimension of politics; situating force and war in transnational context, amid international hierarchies; and attending to the co-constitutive character of war and society relations in world politics.

It’s Time for Empirical Research in Business Ethics

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 233-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larue Tone Hosmer
Keyword(s):  
Business Ethics ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Field Of Study ◽  
Belief Structure ◽  
Do So ◽  
The Way

Abstract:We have a very decent belief structure or general paradigm underlying Business Ethics as a formal field of study. It has an explicit moral base. It can be stated in simple and direct terms. It has been developed over a number of recent years by a group of respected scholars from a variety of academic disciplines. It is, however, subject to multiple interpretations and open to extensive conflicts. We can easily tolerate if not benefit from the differing interpretations. We must—at some point—moderate if not resolve the debilitating conflicts. The argument I wish to make in this paper is that we have reached that point. It is time to resolve the conflicts, and the way to do so is to generate awkward, undeniable facts through basic empirical research. Those facts will then have to be incorporated into acceptable—and eventually accepted—theory.

scholarly journals PECULIARITIES OF THE US-EU RELATIONS: EVOLUTION AND PROSPECTS

2016 ◽  
pp. 153-174
Author(s):  
D. Lakishyk
Keyword(s):  
World Politics ◽  
Strategic Partnership ◽  
Global State ◽  
Multilateral Negotiation ◽  
Global Context ◽  
Global Issues ◽  
Transatlantic Cooperation ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Eu

It is argued that the US-European relations, regardless of the position of the US as a single global state, are based on the principles of interdependence. Conflicts that arise on specific issues are not of strategic and decisive character. They cannot provoke fundamental conflict, primarily because of similar values and targets in the conduct of foreign policy. Changing the status of the EU “traditional ally” into the status of “essential partner” is caused by the need to clearly define European interests in transatlantic cooperation. Relations between the EU and the US are based on protecting the interests and priorities of each party, in addition to the policy of compromise. Now the format of transatlantic cooperation is multilateral, negotiation basis of US foreign practices is combined with cooperation with the EU, confirming the practical transition of Washington to renovation of collective action. Filling the US-European relations with “global context” changes transatlantic partnership both in content and in form. The US and EU continue to be among the leaders in world politics that get additional opportunities for development and implementation of a common position on many global issues thanks to strategic partnership.

The relevance of international law: a Hegelian interpretation of a peculiar seventeenth-century preoccupation

1995 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Ringmar
Keyword(s):  
Seventeenth Century ◽  
International Law ◽  
International Politics ◽  
World Politics ◽  
Legal Requirements ◽  
National Interests ◽  
Power Politics ◽  
Do So

International law, traditional scholars of international politics tell us, is a useless fiction. Statesmen either do not follow legal stipulations or they do so only when it is in their interest to do it. International law plays no independent role in world politics since it can always be reduced to the more fundamental considerations of power politics. National interests simply do not bow to legal requirements.

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