The impact of terrorist organizations and terrorist networks
How has the impact of terrorist organizations and terrorist networks and their activities evolved and changed their objectives over time and why?
Consider some of the following points (but you are not limited to this, you can seek to answer your own questions on the topics)
a. Describe, broadly, what terrorism means in the modern world (what is the official definition from a Western perspective)
b. What are some of the difficulties in tackling this type of criminal activity, which is often global in scale and constantly morphs. Consider the many organizations which are considered/labeled to be terrorist – Al-Queda, El-Shebab, Boko Haram, Black September (in the 1960s and 1970s), PLO, IRA and others
c. What are some terrorist networks of interest to the US and its national security?
d. What are some of the challenges concerning civil liberties in the US, as was evident with the Patriot Act and other policies which have targeted private citizens for the purpose of combating terrorist activities.
e. What is US policy regarding this issue and how is that impacting US relations with the world?
f. Discuss at least two proposals for combating terrorism and analyze which, in your opinion, would be more effective.
The US response to terrorism has been largely shaped by post 9/11 policies such as the Patriot Act which increased surveillance measures on its citizens significantly while infringing upon civil liberties such as freedom of speech among other things. This approach however led to criticism from many quarters about its effectiveness due it often going too far or being used indiscriminately without proper oversight or accountability measures put into place leading some experts questioning its efficacy arguing that it simply increases public fear rather than providing real security benefits for American citizens.
To tackle terrorism various proposals have been suggested ranging from improved intelligence gathering against terrorist networks worldwide coupled with specialized training systems for law enforcement officers tasked with countering these groups domestically combined with targeted economic sanctions against countries harboring terrorists groups particularly those funding them financially etcetera . Another proposal suggests investing heavily into humanitarian aid projects so they can provide relief while weakening support base available to extremist organizations thus creating stable environment needed prevent formation of new ones thereby reducing probability future attacks occurring within certain region all together.
In conclusion there are numerous ways tackling this issue however none are easy both require substantial investment as well dedication addressing deeper structural issues underlying causes preventing hostilities between two parties engaging each other just like improving foreign relations same time bolstering security infrastructure simultaneously provides protection citizens homeland ultimately giving peace mind knowing threats posed by international terror organization minimized greatly if not eliminated altogether eventually restoring sense normalcy amongst population affected particular area again once again..