Suchergebnisse

In a review in 1988, Schmid & Jongman identified a number of key problems in research on terrorism. These included serious concerns with the methodologies being used by researchers to gather data & with the level of analysis that was undertaken once data was available. Following on from this work, this article draws on a review of research published between 1995 & 2000. It was found that the problems identified in 1988 remain as serious as ever. Research is ultimately aimed at arriving at a level of knowledge & understanding where one can explain why certain events have happened & be able to accurately predict the emergence & outcome of similar events in the future. Terrorism research, however, has failed to arrive at that level of knowledge. This article outlines some of the causes of these continuing problems & highlights ways in which the situation can be improved. 1 Table, 3 Figures. Adapted from the source document.

Hostage-taking events remain one of the most common forms of international terrorism. Such events are particularly significant due to their very high media profile & the unique challenges & potentials they present to governments. Yet despite such importance, remarkably little systematic analysis of terrorist hostage-taking has taken place. This paper reviews a body of research that has attempted to model such events using mathematical principles. The guidelines that have emerged from this research are tested against three recent high-profile hostage situations. The overall finding is that the mathematical models are currently too limited to be heavily relied upon in field situations. Nevertheless, it is equally very clear that the potential exists to develop more robust models that could prove highly useful in the real world. 2 Tables. Adapted from the source document.

Examines fundraising activities of the two main loyalist paramilitary groups, the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). Pt. 1, In defense of the realm: financing loyalist terrorism in Northern Ireland; pt. 2, Drink, drugs, and rock 'n' roll: financing loyalist terrorism in Northern Ireland. Role of extortion and blackmail of small and large businesses and on building sites, risk of corruption among senior ranking loyalists, drinking clubs, robberies, drug trafficking, the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) "rat pack", counterfeiting, fuel rackets, and other frauds.

Starting from Mao's well-known metaphor of "water & fish," this article examines the nature of power as it applies to terrorist groups. Terrorists are under constant pressure actively to increase their influence & control over their constituent communities. Our understandings of how terrorist groups can do this has generally suffered from being too limited & overly simplistic. Focusing on Northern Ireland, this article explores how terrorist groups can first identify & then access various sources of power that can be used to strengthen the group's position & authority. The article argues that there are identifiable strategies that can be exploited by current & future terrorists in virtually any setting. It is in the interest of those combating terrorism to study these principles closely if they wish to limit the power & durability of terrorist opponents. 1 Figure. Adapted from the source document.