Introduction
Reproduced from: 2.bp.blogspot.com
Terrorism only entered the global consciousness a decade ago, via the 9/11 attacks, and has increasingly been viewed as a severe threat by many countries across the world. The advancement of technology and the advent of Internet have changed the face of terrorism. By examining the enhanced capabilities of terrorists and governments brought about through technology, this report will examine the impact of technology on terrorism.
Terrorism is a notoriously slippery concept and its definition has been hotly contested. For the purposes of this report, the definition put forward by the US Federal Bureau of Intelligence will be adopted:
The unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a Government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives
Technology is central to both terrorism and counterterrorism, but each side views technology differently. Governments see technology as conferring a decisive advantage in the struggle against terrorism, and often treat it as an end itself. Terrorists, on the other hand, regard it as a means to an end. It matters not whether the technology is simple or sophisticated, but whether it can enable an effective attack to be carried out.
Recent technological advances have given rise to horrific terrorism possibilities, which include biological, chemical, radiological and cyber attacks. These have the potential to do extraordinary harm and cause great disruption to our society. While the threat is real, it remains improbable due to the difficulty in obtaining the required materials or weapons. Conventional terrorism, involving the use of knives, guns and simple bombs, occurs far more frequently and has been the cause of most death and destruction in the history of terror attacks (Tillema, 2010). As such, this report will focus solely on conventional terrorism and how technology is used to counter it.
It will be argued that while technology has changed the way terrorism is carried out and fought against, it has not enabled either side to obtain an advantage. Terrorists can choose their target, timing, and method of attack. Although governments have a large array of technological resources at their disposal, they face a broader challenge as they must deter many possible actions. Ultimately, the winner will be determined by who has the superior strategy.
Terrorism is a notoriously slippery concept and its definition has been hotly contested. For the purposes of this report, the definition put forward by the US Federal Bureau of Intelligence will be adopted:
The unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a Government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives
Technology is central to both terrorism and counterterrorism, but each side views technology differently. Governments see technology as conferring a decisive advantage in the struggle against terrorism, and often treat it as an end itself. Terrorists, on the other hand, regard it as a means to an end. It matters not whether the technology is simple or sophisticated, but whether it can enable an effective attack to be carried out.
Recent technological advances have given rise to horrific terrorism possibilities, which include biological, chemical, radiological and cyber attacks. These have the potential to do extraordinary harm and cause great disruption to our society. While the threat is real, it remains improbable due to the difficulty in obtaining the required materials or weapons. Conventional terrorism, involving the use of knives, guns and simple bombs, occurs far more frequently and has been the cause of most death and destruction in the history of terror attacks (Tillema, 2010). As such, this report will focus solely on conventional terrorism and how technology is used to counter it.
It will be argued that while technology has changed the way terrorism is carried out and fought against, it has not enabled either side to obtain an advantage. Terrorists can choose their target, timing, and method of attack. Although governments have a large array of technological resources at their disposal, they face a broader challenge as they must deter many possible actions. Ultimately, the winner will be determined by who has the superior strategy.