24 Aug Terrorism Alternative Decisions
Order Instructions
When we look at acts of violence within the U.S., we have many resources and options of how to respond to the threat and prevent it. We have thousands of laws aimed at preventing crime and protecting lives. However, when the threat steps into an international arena, there are a lot less options. Most revolve around convincing the country in which the “bad guys” are located to do something about it. But when that fails, what do we do? Afghanistan refused to respond to terrorists within their borders. Russia safeguards the vast majority of criminal hackers in this world. China is involved in all types of subterfuge and intellectual property theft, and will not stop. So the discussion question is, what options do we really have to respond to international security threats?
Course Material:
We will start the last portion of the class this week: Terrorism. Joby Warrick’s book on ISIS is one of the best I’ve seen in any discipline at illustrating how policy decisions can create negative consequences that are much more devastating than the original problem. Think way back to your first policy class and the Kingdon book, which points out that most leaders anticipate negative consequences. But it’s unanticipated negative consequences that often do the most damage. As you read through this book, note the “decision points (Links to an external site.)” the occurred along the way. What could have been done differently? Was there any way for decision makers to foresee these events?
This week we will also look at Zarqawi’s network expansion and the international response. As you read through the material, think through what the other options the decision makes had. It’s easy to point out what didn’t work, but difficult to provide solutions. The majority of the terrorism problems we faced with the rise of ISIS we are still facing in Yemen and other countries. How do we keep from repeating our mistakes? What options are feasible?
Readings & Media
Warrick, Chapters 1-16
Additional Resources & Materials
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s “global approach” to terrorism https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/ilea-training-rooting-out-terrorism-080218
