Challenges of Global Terrorism- Strategies, Dimensions and Response: In Search of a Perspective

The most important challenge in the 21st century has been posed by the terrorist acts in different parts of the world. Terrorists respect no frontiers or boundaries. Terrorism is a crime against humanity. Terrorism is, in fact, premeditated, politically motivated violence committed against innocent civilians and non-combatants by individuals, groups or state agents. The emergence of global terrorism has marked tectonic shifts in this relativistic approach. As a rule, global terrorists commit individual acts of an intentionally provocative nature, which may include threats of murder or the assassination of state and political figures; the seizure of hostages or potentially hazardous facilities; bombings; or the release of poisons, radioactive substances, or biologically active agents. Terrorist acts at potentially hazardous facilities' enterprises working with chemicals, radioactive materials, or explosives; hydro technical structures; unique tall buildings; subways, surface rail, and air transport facilities present a great danger to personnel and the public and cause substantial economic damage. Key Words: Global Terrorism, Globalisation, Al Qaeda, Cyber terrorism, Chemical Terrorism, Radiation Terroris

Designing and Operating Safe and Secure Transit Systems: Assessing Current Practices in the United States and Abroad, MTI Report 04-05

Public transit systems around the world have for decades served as a principal venue for terrorist acts. Today, transit security is widely viewed as an important public policy issue and is a high priority at most large transit systems and at smaller systems operating in large metropolitan areas. Research on transit security in the United States has mushroomed since 9/11; this study is part of that new wave of research. This study contributes to our understanding of transit security by (1) reviewing and synthesizing nearly all previously published research on transit terrorism; (2) conducting detailed case studies of transit systems in London, Madrid, New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C.; (3) interviewing federal officials here in the United States responsible for overseeing transit security and transit industry representatives both here and abroad to learn about efforts to coordinate and finance transit security planning; and (4) surveying 113 of the largest transit operators in the United States. Our major findings include: (1) the threat of transit terrorism is probably not universal—most major attacks in the developed world have been on the largest systems in the largest cities; (2) this asymmetry of risk does not square with fiscal politics that seek to spread security funding among many jurisdictions; (3) transit managers are struggling to balance the costs and (uncertain) benefits of increased security against the costs and (certain) benefits of attracting passengers; (4) coordination and cooperation between security and transit agencies is improving, but far from complete; (5) enlisting passengers in surveillance has benefits, but fearful passengers may stop using public transit; (6) the role of crime prevention through environmental design in security planning is waxing; and (7) given the uncertain effectiveness of antitransit terrorism efforts, the most tangible benefits of increased attention to and spending on transit security may be a reduction in transit-related person and property crimes

Terrorism and Role of Media

Terrorism is the systematic use of terror, violent or destructive acts committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands. All the developed, developing nations have confronted the horrors of Terrorism. It is one of him devastating threats for the whole world. Due to the advent of Terrorism in humane life, we have been confined to in destruction. To live the life of a common man becomes unendurable. Further the role of media and science is very much evident in Terrorism. Terror means disastrous fear. It becomes highly destructive and leading us towards the Holocaust. This paper proposes to examine the role of media in Terrorism. Really, it is the need of the hour that we should have to awaken our society. Technology has enabled Terrorism and Terrorism to create havoc in the world. But at the same time there are so many solutions which can be found & implemented by the technologies. Therefore, here in such circumstances, we have to take an oath to fight against Terrorism and establish ourselves well equipped and enforced. It will also not come to happen without the optimum utilization of technology. The paper illustrates definition, types, history of Terrorism and history of Terrorists group too in brief. It also gives an outline of Terrorism by ideology, involvement of state etc. A successful attempt has also been made to rule out the basic cause of terrorism and role of media in terrorism. As Terrorism appears to be one of the burning issues in present state of world However, this paper is going evaluate the role of media in the Terrorism

Transportation, Terrorism and Crime: Deterrence, Disruption and Resilience

Abstract: Terrorists likely have adopted vehicle ramming as a tactic because it can be carried out by an individual (or “lone wolf terrorist”), and because the skills required are minimal (e.g. the ability to drive a car and determine locations for creating maximum carnage). Studies of terrorist activities against transportation assets have been conducted to help law enforcement agencies prepare their communities, create mitigation measures, conduct effective surveillance and respond quickly to attacks. This study reviews current research on terrorist tactics against transportation assets, with an emphasis on vehicle ramming attacks. It evaluates some of the current attack strategies, and the possible mitigation or response tactics that may be effective in deterring attacks or saving lives in the event of an attack. It includes case studies that can be used as educational tools for understanding terrorist methodologies, as well as ordinary emergencies that might become a terrorist’s blueprint

The Growing Threat of Agroterrorism and Strategies for Agricultural Defense

Due to the dynamic nature of human conflict, non-traditional terror tactics have evolved to undermine the socioeconomic stability of targeted societies. Considering the landscape in which terrorists operate, emphasis on more subversive methods of biological terror have become prominent in recent decades. Agroterrorism, or the use of plant pathogens to infect a nation’s cultivated crops, is an emerging topic due to its threat to global food security and economic stability. Although emergency preparedness objectives have been enacted at national, state, and even local levels, preemptive measures can no longer remain the sole responsibility of intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The agricultural and scientific communities are responsible for collaboration to improve security and pioneer new methods of disease resistance in susceptible crops. Plant immunology is an expanding field which explores the molecular defense mechanisms innately present within the plant kingdom and provides insight concerning novel methods of boosting the immunity of susceptible crops to existing and emerging pathogenic agents. This thesis serves to define the threat of agroterrorism from a national security and scientific perspective, identify notable plant pathogens, provide a brief survey of plant immunology, and discuss topics which can aid scientists, policymakers, and growers in efforts to secure the global food supply from those who would cause harm

Southeast Asia: A Potential Domain for Chemical Terrorism

This research examines the prospect of Southeast Asia as a future domain for chemical terrorism over the next five years by assessing the correlation between the intent and capability of potential actors to conduct chemical terrorism. Additionally, the effectiveness of prevention and mitigation measures of the concerned governments is also examined. Southeast Asian countries have experienced the persistent threat of Islamic violent extremism for decades. The exploitation of chemical weapons (CW) reflects new developments in the methods of committing terrorist acts. Al Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have demonstrated the intent and capability of chemical terrorism. It is highly likely that Al Qaeda and ISIS will disseminate CW expertise to their affiliates in Southeast Asia that transform the region into a domain for chemical terrorism. The main thesis of this research argues that Southeast Asia will be a potential domain for chemical terrorism within the next five years because the gap that exists between the Islamic extremists’ intent to use CW and acquiring a full capability of such weapons has been narrowed down. Lastly, it outlines the conclusion and policy recommendations to mitigate the risk of chemical terrorism in the region