A Strategic Response to Terrorism A Framework for U.S. Policy; Strategic Insight: v.2, issue 2 (February 2003)
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Authors
Smith, James M.
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Advisors
Date of Issue
2003-02
Date
February 2003
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
Deterrence by denial is the ultimate objective of the terrorism response framework. Although most counter-terror strategies begin with deterrence, their aim is to prevent an attack, not to deter the terrorist strategy. Some also describe deterrence of terrorism in terms of deterrence by punishment. While it is possible to deter a specific attack by threatening punishment, it is unlikely to succeed in terms of deterring a terrorist campaign in the first place. This framework depicts deterrence as the net result of operational, tactical, and strategic programs that range from pre-attack policies through the long-term response to a terrorist incident. This is ultimately deterrence by denial. Delegitimized and marginalized, the terrorists' message falls on deaf ears, and recruits no longer rush to their cause. They are denied sanctuary, funding, and logistics support. Their organization, communication, and movement is disrupted. Their planning, training, and access to weapons is curtailed. They are denied victims. They are denied the ability to generate fear and as a result are unable to influence targeted government. With this across-the-board denial, the terrorists and the terrorists' message are marginalized, and their strategy is rendered impotent. At that point terrorism is deterred.
Type
Article
Description
This article appeared in Strategic Insights (February 2003), v.2 no.2
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Department
National Security Affairs
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
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NPS Report Number
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Citation
Strategic Insights, v.2, issue 2 (February 2003)
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This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.