Law - Criminal Writing Assignment

Assignment 3

Counterterrorism Efforts Assignment Paper

Counterterrorism measures are taken to reduce the vulnerability of forces, individuals and

property to terrorist attacks. Counterterrorism includes counter-force activities and

containment by military force, intelligence and civil agencies. Effective counter-terrorism

strategies must be risk-based, intelligence-driven and comprehensive, employing all

elements and aspects of national and international security functions, measures and

operations. These strategies combine both hard and soft power elements such as civilian

oversight, military support, policy changes, multilateral diplomacy and an adaptive-response

model supported by security and intelligence reports. Because terrorism knows no

boundaries, counter-terrorism requires partnerships with those who share a commitment to

counter-terrorism.

Issues for Consideration

a) What roles do international and regional organizations play in facilitating the building of

military and national security capacities?

b) What can multilateral organizations do to assist counter-terrorism efforts?

c) How do international and regional organizations empower traditional capacities for peace

and security?

b) What are the potential costs and/or benefits of disrupting the leadership structure of a

terrorist organization?

d) Why are low-level operatives generally the most radical in terrorist organizations and how

can this divergence be exploited to disrupt the organization?

e) What methods can be employed to decrease trust within a terrorist organization?

f) Does the splintering of terrorist groups lead to more manageable threats or heightened

violence from increased competition?

g) What are some critical vulnerabilities faced by all terrorist groups that may be exploited?

h) How do terrorists deal with the organizational trade-offs between security and efficacy?

This assignment is an analysis of the efforts “success” and “failures”, and what is currently

being done to prevent and or counter terrorism.

The paper should reflect the following points:

1) A survey of the Literature on counterterrorism.

2) A discussion of the tactics, techniques, and strategies that local, national and

international governments, military, law enforcement, businesses, development

agencies, intelligence agencies, and the global community are using to combat or

prevent members of the group you are researching from engaging in acts of terrorism.

3) Provide new insights into how some communities in the case you are researching have

managed to push back against terrorism

4) Highlight some of the innovative programs that state and non-state actors have taken

to prevent terrorism

5) Conclude with what you agree/disagree and suggestions on best practices.