Discuss whether the events of 9/11 and beyond presage an era of new terrorism. What problems does this pose in terms of risk management? The given question frames two points for discussion, namely whether the events of 9/11 and beyond presage an era of ‘new terrorism’ and what problems this poses in terms of risk management. Many regard 9/11 as a watershed moment in the history of terrorism. This viewpoint is critically analysed in this paper.
The essay opens with a definition of the main terms to which the essay question is referring to, namely ‘terrorism’, ‘risk’ and ‘risk management’. Using this terminology as a framework for analysis the essay studies the phenomenon of terrorism throughout the ages in its different expressions. Following this timeline, contemporary religious terrorism and the events of 9/11 are considered in detail. Then, the limitations of risk management practices of intelligence agencies and airport security pre 9/11 are studied. This is followed by a study of the ‘Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism’ Act (USA Patriot Act), which was adopted after 9/11 to compensate these limitations. These legislation changes are then followed by a further study of the new practices at airports. The essay concludes with stating that the events of 9/11 did not presage a new era in terrorism, but were rather a continuation of contemporary religious terrorism, which exploited the existing weaknesses in risk management practices. Arguably, initial responses to the question can be found in terminology and definitions.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Definitions
- Terrorism
- Risk
- Risk management
- Terrorism from antiquity to Al Qaeda
- The events of 9/11
- Risk management before 9/11
- Limitations of the CIA
- Limitations of the FBI
- Limitations of airport security
- Risk management after 9/11
- The USA Patriot Act
- Airport security
- Conclusion
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to examine the events of 9/11 and beyond, analyzing whether they signify the emergence of a "new terrorism" and the implications for risk management. The essay critiques the notion of 9/11 as a watershed moment and explores the phenomenon of terrorism throughout history, focusing on its contemporary expressions.
- The evolution of terrorism throughout history
- Defining "terrorism" and "risk" in the context of terrorism
- The role of risk management in preventing and mitigating terrorism
- The impact of 9/11 on risk management practices
- The effectiveness of post-9/11 security measures
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction sets the stage for the discussion by outlining the key questions and presenting a framework for analysis. It establishes the importance of understanding the definition of terrorism, risk, and risk management within the context of the events of 9/11.
The "Definitions" chapter provides a detailed analysis of the term "terrorism" through an examination of various definitions, focusing on the definition adopted by the FBI. It also explores the complex nature of defining "risk" in the context of terrorism, highlighting the approach taken by RAND CTRMP.
The chapter on "Terrorism from antiquity to Al Qaeda" examines the historical evolution of terrorism through Rapoport's "four waves theory," incorporating classical examples of religious terrorism to illustrate the evolution of terrorism across different eras.
The essay continues by analyzing the events of 9/11, exploring the limitations of risk management practices in place before the attacks, examining the role of intelligence agencies like the CIA and FBI, and airport security measures.
Following the examination of pre-9/11 risk management practices, the essay delves into the changes implemented after 9/11, focusing on the USA Patriot Act and the enhanced security measures introduced at airports.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The essay focuses on key concepts such as terrorism, risk, risk management, security, intelligence, the events of 9/11, the USA Patriot Act, and the evolution of terrorism throughout history. It explores these themes within the context of contemporary religious terrorism and the challenges of managing risk in a post-9/11 world.
- Quote paper
- Anonymous,, 2012, Risk Management. Do the events of 9/11 and beyond presage an era of new terrorism?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/293254
