Terrorism is currently one of the most significant security issues on the globe, especially after the September 911 attacks that were, to an extent, successful in striking fear into the hearts of US citizens. Nevertheless, terrorism in the modern era is more problematic due to the influences of complex factors like advanced technology, resource distribution, political factors, and diverse beliefs or ideologies. Yet, scholars suggest that terrorists have devised means to take advantage of the media and regional policies to achieve their objectives. The following passages describe the role of the media in terrorism, how terrorists use laws to their advantage, the concept of asymmetrical warfare, and force multiplier as they apply to terrorism.
The media holds a principal position in sharing news and information to the general public by covering various incidences and global affairs. However, scholars suggest that the media has a hand in the successful execution of terrorist activities because they assist terrorists in spreading their message far and wide. According to McEntire (2019), terrorists target an audience rather than the victims of attacks. Therefore, their ultimate goals are not met when their acts are confined to a small group of people. In other words, they seek recognition, attention, legitimacy, and respectability, which the media delivers to them effortlessly. Hence, the media influences individuals’ mental well-being by continuously spreading news about the violence.
The US is a nation that advocates for individual liberties and a democratic political environment that allows individuals to practice their beliefs and way of life as long as they do not interfere with others. However, scholars argue that these liberties expose citizens to violent regimes as they are prone to radicalization and extremism, as terrorists take advantage of these liberties to advance and propel their agenda. De Londras (2019) suggests that immigration laws, particularly those governing Islamic countries drive populist nationalism and are prone to terrorism. Thus, the researcher proposes that a more closed society that rejects liberal-democratic ideologies is better positioned to protect its citizens against terror attacks and regimes.
Terrorist groups around the globe adopt different warfare approaches because of their small numbers and limited resources. Compared to a conventional war that occurs on a battlefield, asymmetrical warfare involves using alternative tactics like suicide bombings, surprise attacks using crude weapons, and hijackings (Rodin, 2020). Asymmetrical warfare is also associated with guerrilla wars because they involve weaker groups carrying out attacks on more powerful forces. However, these attacks have specific targets including civilians and government resources.
Terrorists have various techniques of waging attacks on their targets. Nevertheless, they seek to have an impact that is felt across borders. As a result, they use force multipliers to enhance the effects of their terrorist acts. A force multiplier refers to an entity, when added to another, enhances the implications or chances of success (Hoffman, 2018). Force multipliers in terrorism include the internet, mass media, technology, religious fanaticism, and financial support. These factors allow terrorists to successfully plan and execute their atrocities against individuals.
Terrorism is a vice that should be eradicated from human society because it facilitates unmatched suffering and deteriorates individuals’ well-being. Despite the efforts taken by the government to prevent terror attacks, terrorist groups still find their way into the country and within the population, thus interfering with people’s sense of security and comfort. Therefore, instead of directly attacking its perpetrators, it is advisable to learn how they operate and what influences their tactics. Subsequently, law enforcement will come up with a better solution to curb the issue entirely.
References
De Londras, F. (2019). The transnational counter-terrorism order: A problématique. Current legal problems, 72(1), 203-251. Web.
Hoffman, B. (2018). Terrorism Today and Tomorrow I: Force Multipliers. In Inside Terrorism (pp. 269-297). Columbia University Press. Web.
McEntire, D. A. (2019). Introduction to homeland security: Understanding terrorism prevention and emergency management (2nd Ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rodin, D. (2020). The ethics of asymmetric war. In The Ethics of War (pp. 153-168). Routledge.