5- Counterterrorism & Military Technology

Question 1

terrorism

Answer 1

the use of violence by non state actors to attain political goals.

Question 2

behaviour specific terrorism

Answer 2

punishes past actions by targeting non-combatants to send a message through intimidation.

Question 3

actor-specific terrorism

Answer 3

aims to achieve certain goals without confronting authorities by targeting specific groups, and weakning their authority, and cohesion.

Question 4

state terrorism vs. domestic terrorism

Answer 4

state terrorism is carried out by the state, domestic terrorism is terrorism that hapens inside a country’s borders.

Question 5

does terrorism work as a communication strategy?

Answer 5

NO, in the case of a terrorist attack the public focuses on the civilian suffering part, not on the ideological message of the terrorists. as a result, they are unable to agree on a political compromise, and hurt their own legitimacy.

Question 6

in what ways does terrorism work (other than a communication strategy? (3)

Answer 6

1. demonstrates the illegitimacy of the state if they respond in a repressive way (e.g arresting ppl)
2. achieves unity in the group
3. violence can lead to social polarization, and this can increase people wanting to join terrorist organizations.
4. repressive response by state
5. unity @ terrorists
6. polarization -> more members

Question 7

facilitating conditions

Answer 7

enable the group to carry ot an attack (access weapons, training, networks)

Question 8

vengeance?

Answer 8

the desire for revenge or redistribution

Question 9

ideological indocrination

Answer 9

gradual exposure and acceptance of an ideology.

Question 10

terrorism as a process of escalation 3

Answer 10

1. context in which the group operates (repressive?)
2. goals and ideology of the group (political?)
3. level of organization within the group (hierarchy)
4. state response

Question 11

Situational Factors

Answer 11

situations that make terrorism more likley- instability, poverty, discrimination.

Question 12

static defence vs. active defence

Answer 12

static is protecting a specific location
active is limiting the abilty of a group to carry out an attack

Question 13

ways to do active defense? (4)

Answer 13

1. intelligence gathering
2. disrupting organizations
3. financial measures
4. targeted killings

Question 14

evolution in Military Affairs-

Answer 14

the theory that technological advancements in military capabilities have revolutionized the way wars are fought.

Question 15

Moral Considerations for Drones (3)

Answer 15

1. causing civilian deaths and contributing to a “playstation mentality” where operators are distanced from the act of killing. (dehumanization/ desensitization)
2. lack of transperancy and accountability
3. violaiton of sovereignty

Question 16

Strategic Considerations for Drones (3)

Answer 16

1. vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks
2. can cause more resentment due to breach of sovereignty and civilian casualties.
3. precision and accuracy- can kill civilians

Question 17

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)-

Answer 17

remotely operated aircraft that can make targeted strikes without risking human lives.

Question 18

Precision Guided Munitions (PMG)-

Answer 18

highly accurate weapons used to target specific locations- reduces collateral damage and civilian casualties in drone strikes.

Question 19

what are the main forms of counterterrorism? (6)

Answer 19

1. military action
2. intelligence gathering
3. law enforcement
4. diplomacy
5. economic sanctions
6. propaganda

Question 20

what shaped obama’s decision to use drones. (3)

Answer 20

1. personal beliefs- thought it was more humane
2. militarys preference- less american soldiers would die
3. political climate of usa- presure from republicans to take strong action against terrorism