Third World to the long exploitation and manipulation of resources and technology by the more affluent
nations, such as the United States. Whatever the cause, the use of violence to make a point became
more popular. The problem will continue to plague modern society. Modern terrorism has elements
which differ from older forms of violence. This makes terrorism in today's world a greater threat than
ever before.
4.
The Media.
No matter what the terrorists' cause may be, one of their main objectives must be to publicize their
cause to the widest audience possible. The existence of a highly efficient media network, therefore, is
a factor in any terrorist scenario. This must not be underestimated. Today's technology gives terrorists
the opportunity to gain world attention on prime time television on the same day, if not at the same time
as the event. They are guaranteed column inches and banner headlines in the world press the
following day. Indeed, there is seldom a day when terrorist's activities do not appear in national
newspapers around the world.
Beyond this basic premise, there are some inherent problems when the media cover terrorist activity.
In an endeavor to get the best story, reporters sometimes glamorize the events to make the story
worthwhile. This helps the terrorists to publicize their causes. Moreover, it glorifies the very people
who oppose the establishment. The additional and complementary danger is that the next terrorist acts
are made deliberately more violent and horrific in order to gain increased publicity.
Communications. The second factor to influence the new terrorism is communications. Technological
advances in the last 15 years or so have enhanced the terrorist's capabilities for operating in any part of
the world quickly, efficiently and with relative ease. This single factor has contributed to the growth of
transnational and international terrorism in the last decade. It has also removed the terrorist from the
realm of parochial freedom fighters.
The Potential for Superviolence. Here again technological advances may be seen to affect present day
terrorists and their capabilities. The ability of terrorists is now greatly enhanced with the advent of
surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, of laser devices, and of chemical and nuclear weapons.
In the wrong hands, today's technology could prove to be devastating. The problems posed to security
agencies become unthinkable. Yet, we must learn to think of the unthinkable, for any scenario is
possible. The only limitation lies in the imagination of the terrorists themselves.
Part B: DESCRIBE THE TERRORIST PROFILE
The Institute of Study of Conflict, when discussing terrorism, classified terrorist groups in the following
ideological categories:
3-3
MP2001
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