The nature and capabilities of 21st-century terrorists, especially those such as al Qaeda and its allies who pursue an apocalyptic agenda, make it essential that governments can take decisive preventive action, including the use of force, rather than waiting to respond to attacks after the fact. In certain circumstances, this means being able to conduct military operations on the territory of foreign countries without their consent.
Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University
Abstract:
The “red line” is a warning to intelligence officers that, in order to maintain credibility with the policy community, they need to limit their role to informing policy discussions rather than expressing a policy preference. If they were to advocate a certain policy, the logic went, intelligence officers could be accused of distorting intelligence to bolster their policy preference.
Topic:
International Relations, Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, and Terrorism
Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame
Abstract:
This report provides an independent assessment of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC). It coincides with the “revitalization” process in the CTC following adoption of Security Council Resolution 1535 (2004) that led to the creation of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED). The following findings and recommendations reflect the project's intended goal of ensuring that changes to the CTC support structure are undertaken in a manner that strengthens the successful elements of the committee's work to date, while effectively meeting the challenges ahead.
Topic:
Security, Foreign Policy, Terrorism, and United Nations
When I set foot on American soil, I had finally reached the land of liberty, the land of peace, and I had a strong feeling of gratitude toward the Most High who had allowed me to escape death and to reach a life of freedom…. After completing my statement [at the airport]…[an] officer arrived with handcuffs. Then he handcuffed my wrists, but I sincerely thought this was a case of mistaken identity. Later on he explained to me that this was the established procedure. We left for [a county] prison. They put me in a cell where it was really cold, and I had no blanket with me. The idea of a land of liberty was beginning to be cast into serious doubt in my mind.
The 1998 European Union Code of Conduct on Arms Exports is a political agreement designed to set common standards across the EU for the export of military equipment. Under its provisions, all EU member states have agreed to apply a standard set of criteria to assess applications for licences for the export of military equipment. Member states have also agreed to share information, and in certain cases consult in advance, on their arms export licensing decisions. One of the main tools for assessing how states interpret and apply the EU Code of Conduct is the Annual Report according to Operative Provision 8 of the European Union Code of Conduct on Arms Exports, which has been published in the autumn of each year since 1999. The aim of the Annual Report is to enable member governments, parliaments and civil society to understand how the EU Code is being interpreted at the national level by each EU member state. The report describes how the EU Code has been implemented, discusses future measures to improve implementation and provides statistical data for the previous calendar year on licences granted for the export of military equipment, actual arms exports and denials of export licences.
Topic:
Arms Control and Proliferation, International Trade and Finance, and Terrorism
This thesis assesses the threat of nuclear terrorism and identifies strategies for diminishing the risk of such incidents. Never before have the material, the technology, the know-how, and, perhaps, the motivations needed to perform acts of nuclear terrorism been more exploitable.
Topic:
International Relations, Nuclear Weapons, Politics, and Terrorism
The Raoul Dandurand Chair of Strategic and Diplomatic Studies, Université du Québec à Montréal
Abstract:
In the wake of September 11, the U.S. Superpower once again became a target. This time, the attack was carried out by means of the Internet. How effective is American cyberstrategy? Examining the hacking scene in the last couple of years, it is clear that it is not an adequate response to present – and future – cyberthreats. Therefore, it is fair to say that the United States has a national security problem rather than a cybersecurity problem and to conclude that as things stand at present the American government is steering the United States toward a cyber-9/11.
Topic:
International Relations, Science and Technology, and Terrorism
The mission of the Department of Defense is to defend the nation and when necessary, defeat its enemies. Very few endeavors in life are so focused and results oriented. While we continue this primary mission of prosecuting the global war on terrorism and simultaneously defending our nation, we cannot overlook the fact that we must more effectively and efficiently manage the Department.
Topic:
Defense Policy, National Security, Terrorism, and War
In 2003, terrorists struck at targets around the world, even as Iraq became a central front in the global war against terrorism and the locus of so many deadly attacks against civilians. Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups made clear once again their relentless pursuit of evil in defiance of any law—human or divine. The year saw heinous crimes against the international community, humanitarian organizations, and people dedicated to helping mankind.
Section 2504 of title 10, United States Code, requires that the Secretary of Defense submit an annual report to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, by March 1st of each year.
Topic:
Defense Policy, Industrial Policy, Science and Technology, and Terrorism