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.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definitions
2.1 Terrorism
2.2 Risk
2.3 Risk management
3. Terrorism from antiquity to Al Qaeda
4. The events of 9/11
5. Risk management before 9/11
5.1 Limitations of the CIA
5.2 Limitations of the FBI
5.3 Limitations of airport security
6. Risk management after 9/11
6.1 The USA Patriot Act
6.2 Airport security
7. Conclusion
8. References
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper critically examines whether the events of 9/11 signify the emergence of a 'new terrorism' and evaluates the subsequent challenges this poses for risk management strategies within intelligence agencies and airport security operations.
- Historical evolution of terrorism through the 'four waves' theory
- Critical analysis of risk management frameworks pre- and post-9/11
- Evaluation of the USA Patriot Act and its impact on civil liberties
- Assessment of changes in airport security and passenger screening procedures
- The tension between effective threat deterrence and individual rights
Excerpt from the Book
5.1 Limitations of the CIA
In general, the CIA’s main task is to collect and analyse intelligence from different sources (CIA, 19 December 2006). The Counterterrorism Center (CTC) is part of the CIA, established to coordinate the collection of information by CIA stations, compile the results and disseminate information. Therefore, the CTC is staffed with CIA personnel and representatives of the FBI, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other organisations (CIA, 10 September 2009). Although this seems to be a highly effective way to deal with information, by its organisational nature, the CIA is an institution, which is averse to risk taking (Pillar cited in Cronin et al., 2004: 129). Therefore, the dissemination of information was highly limited (9/11 Commission, 2004: 91).
The results of this cultural risk aversion are reflected in the Executive Summary of the report on ‘CIA accountability with respect to the 9/11 attacks’ (CIA Office of Inspector General, 2005). Similar to the 9/11 Commission’s report, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) report highlights the lack of information sharing and effective coordination of efforts within the intelligence community (CIA Office of Inspector General, 2005: VII) in general and the CIA in particular. This ultimately led to a constrained view of CIA analysts who were prevented to access and analyse the full range of information available on Al Qaeda (CIA Office of Inspector General, 2005: VII). As a result the CIA lacked a comprehensive strategy on how to counter Al Qaeda (CIA Office of Inspector General, 2005: IX-X) and had an ineffective watch-listing program (CIA Office of Inspector General, 2005: XIII).
Chapter Summary
1. Introduction: Outlines the research objective regarding the 'new terrorism' debate and sets the scope for analyzing historical and contemporary risk management failures.
2. Definitions: Establishes a foundational understanding of terrorism, risk, and risk management based on academic and official institutional definitions.
3. Terrorism from antiquity to Al Qaeda: Contextualizes 9/11 within the broader history of terrorism using Rapoport’s 'four waves' model and early examples of religious violence.
4. The events of 9/11: Provides a factual account of the September 11 attacks, emphasizing the operational success of the hijackers against existing defense layers.
5. Risk management before 9/11: Analyzes the systemic institutional failures and limitations within the CIA, FBI, and airport security infrastructure prior to the attacks.
6. Risk management after 9/11: Discusses legislative and procedural responses, specifically the USA Patriot Act and tightened airport security protocols, noting the inherent trade-offs with civil liberties.
7. Conclusion: Summarizes findings, asserting that 9/11 was not a 'new' era but a continuation of contemporary religious terrorism that exploited existing reactive risk management weaknesses.
8. References: Compiles the academic sources, reports, and news articles used to support the analysis.
Keywords
9/11, Terrorism, Risk Management, Al Qaeda, USA Patriot Act, Airport Security, Intelligence Agencies, Civil Liberties, Four Waves Theory, Counterterrorism, National Security, Surveillance, Defensive Layers, Religious Terrorism, Threat Assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper evaluates whether the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, truly inaugurated a 'new' era of terrorism or represented a continuation of existing trends, and examines the resulting impact on U.S. risk management.
Which central topics are addressed in the analysis?
Key themes include historical terrorism models, the institutional limitations of intelligence and law enforcement agencies, legislative changes like the Patriot Act, and the evolution of airport security technologies.
What is the primary research question?
The primary question explores whether 9/11 signaled a shift into 'new terrorism' and what specific problems this transition forced upon risk management systems.
Which scientific methodology is applied here?
The author uses a historical and analytical approach, combining Rapoport’s 'four waves' theory with an institutional review of governmental policy, intelligence reports, and security protocols.
What content is covered in the main section?
The main section investigates the specific limitations of the CIA, FBI, and FAA prior to 9/11, followed by a critical assessment of the post-9/11 legislative responses and modernized screening practices.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as 9/11, Risk Management, Counterterrorism, USA Patriot Act, Intelligence Agency, and Civil Liberties.
How did the CIA's organizational culture contribute to the failures of 9/11?
The paper suggests that an institutional culture averse to risk-taking and a systemic lack of information sharing among intelligence agencies prevented analysts from developing a comprehensive counter-strategy against Al Qaeda.
Why does the author criticize certain provisions of the USA Patriot Act?
The author highlights criticisms from civil liberty advocates regarding provisions like 'Roving Wiretaps' and 'Sneak and Peek' searches, arguing they potentially violate constitutional protections like the Fourth Amendment.
How have airport security measures changed since 9/11?
Post-9/11 security has escalated from traditional metal detectors to advanced technologies like Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and biometric tracking via the US-VISIT program to enhance threat detection.
What is the final conclusion regarding the 'new terrorism' hypothesis?
The conclusion rejects the idea of a 'new' era, arguing instead that 9/11 was a continuation of contemporary religious terrorism that successfully exploited existing reactive weaknesses in risk management.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 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
