What Is Terrorism?

Terrorism and Homeland Security

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Terrorism and Homeland Security

Introduction

Terrorism is defined as one of the insider threat that refers to the unlawful use of force and violence by anyone of the individuals who is associated with an organization. The term terrorism was first coined during the French Revolution when the French government interfered and engaged in the reign of terror. The term was used to oppress the people and use terrorism tactics against the revolutionaries who tried to oppose them. The history of terrorism can be traced back to Zealots Sicarii, a jewish group from the first century. They were located in Palestine, when it was occupied by Romans. The goal of the terrorist group was to gain independence from the Romans and incorporate their strict rule (White, & J, 2016). It is asserted that force is used against an organization to achieve some social and political objectives that might be against the interest of an organization. It is also termed as the use of force or violence against a property to intimidate and coerce citizens or government. In particular, insiders use the familiarity of the elements of an organization such as security, empowering layout and structure to maximize and enhance causalities that can sabotage systems.

Discussion

In the past hundred years, there has been a lot of changes and evolutions in the understanding of terrorism, within the framework of a global pattern. By today, there are four major classifications of terrorism such as anarchist, religious wave, the anti-colonial and the new left. These classifications were identified by Rapaport, taking into account that these waves are named based on some terrorist activities in that period. These names have marked some particular waves over time. There are two dimensions to define terrorism, both as a strategy and tactic, a crime as well as a holy duty. Terrorism is also a justified reaction to any kind of oppression as well as an inexcusable abomination (White, & J, 2016). It is also defined as an effective tactic for those who are at the weaker side of the conflict. In accordance with the asymmetric form of conflict, terrorism refers to the coercive power of having a lot of advantages of military force that is serving at a fraction of the cost. However, adhering to the secretive nature and the small size of terrorist organizations, it is highlighted that the opponents are not given significant clues to defend and deter. It is asserted that prevention from terrorism is one of the top priorities of the department taking into account the resolution to protect Americans from any kind of homeland security threats and terrorism, taking into account the ambition of preventing nation-states and their processes (White, & J, 2016). It may include groups of people who are engaged in terrorist and criminal acts and the transnational criminal organizations, where such platforms threaten the Homeland. In the past few years, criminals and terrorists have adopted some unique and new tactics and techniques that can help to circumvent homeland security and threaten the safety prosperity and security of the allies and the American public. Adhering to the rapidly evolving threats from environmental demands, a proactive response was generated by DHS that lets its partners prevent, identify and detect the attacks against the United States (White, & J, 2016). The Department of Homeland Security’s includes several counterterrorism responsibilities that are defined in four different goals, such as collection, analyzing and sharing of actionable intelligence, disrupt and detect threats, protection of events and soft targets along with the analysis of counter weapons of mass destruction and other emerging threats (Martin & G, 2019).

Types of Terrorism

There are two major classifications of terrorism, domestic and international terrorism.

Domestic terrorism refers to the violation and destruction of the citizens of the country without any kind of foreign directions (Anderson & N, 2019).

On the other hand, international terrorism is connected to a foreign government or other groups that have the power to transcend the boundaries of different nations (Anderson & N, 2019).

Terrorism and Homeland Security

The terrorism and homeland security committee are a combination of different emergency service leaders and agents who provide required guidance to the policymakers and IAFC so as to help them prepare for any kind of terrorist attack. Some major tasks are to, identify terrorism and issues related to homeland security, act as a resource to homeland security issues, maintain and foster the rations and are crucial to homeland security leaders and strengthen the visibility of IAFC so as to address issues of homeland security (Terrorism Prevention, 2018).

Terrorism Protection

The Science and Technology Directorate supports the idea that the Department of Homeland Security terrorism prevention has a mission that is applied by conducting a certain evaluation, applied research and the integration of scientifically derived knowledge that can help to inform the policy and other programs to ensure the Homeland Security Enterprise (Terrorism Prevention, 2018). According to the data retrieved from the official website of Homeland Security, it is found that terrorism protection is one of the most crucial ideology to address. In conjunction with the Office of Terrorism Prevention Partnerships, the S&T develops a wide range of resources that can support both local and government partners to support the understanding of individual motives for engaging and disengaging from violent extremism. It is also asserted that the Office also develops and assists in the interventions at the local level that can facilitate conjunction with the local partners along with the valuation of the effectiveness of terrorism protection, activities and policies (Terrorism Prevention, 2018). The platforms of information resources for terrorism protection are research products that include evidence-based products, fact sheets, providing key information about issues, evaluations affirming terrorism prevention policies and program that could inform Homeland Security Enterprise. It is highlighted that the S&T transition to the public, as well as data tools, provide insight into some violent extremism, where prime focuses are understanding the engagement in violent extremism, development of local terrorism and prevention capabilities along with the evaluation of terrorism prevention program and interventions (Terrorism Prevention, 2018).

Counterterrorism and Homeland Security

Taking into account the threat to terrorism that is created vaguely for national homeland security infrastructure that should be understood within a strategic context. It is asserted that the terrorist attacks have a direct cost but on the same platform, they can seek self-injurious overreaction such as waste of taxpayer’s money and blood on the part of victim state, with sympathy gains and recruitment when the victim state misdirects any violent response. However, the weakening of the political order in the society is also attacked this way adhering to the induced intention to act wrongly. In such a case, Homeland security recedes the moral as well as ideological intentions to a high ground that could make the terrorist groups look more legitimate (Anderson & N, 2019).

It is asserted that the policymakers tend to use major risk assessments that can help to prioritize the security efforts along with avoiding the promise of exemplary security. Moreover, civil liberties should be fully protected as well as consistent with the well-focused and fully protected domestic security efforts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be said that terrorism is one of the greatest threats that can compromise all relative and supporting actions and departments of country such as trade relationship, foreign propositions and cultural advances. Moreover, terrorism can challenge the economy of country as well. Significant effort is required to address terrorism threats so that there would be a safe approach towards lives of people and the approach towards representation of country as a peaceful identity.

References

Anderson, N. (2019, February). Critical Infrastructure Protection: Progress and Challenges in DHS's Management of Its Chemical Facility Security Program, Statement of Nathan Anderson, Acting Director Homeland Security and Justice, Testimony Before the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives. In United States. Government Accountability Office (No. GAO-19-402T). United States. Government Accountability Office.

Martin, G. (2019). Understanding homeland security. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.

Terrorism Prevention. (2018). Department of Homeland Security. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/terrorism-prevention

White, J. R. (2016). Terrorism and homeland security. Cengage Learning.