Suchergebnisse

A literature review of Jan Germann's work on military counterterrorism. Adapted from the source document.

The following questions were the starting point for the development of this journal: what role does gender play together with other categories such as class & ethnicity in the discourses & practices regarding terrorism & anti-terror wars? How do the different forms of terrorist & anti-terrorist violence affect local & global gender relationships? What aspect of war & violence, but also of peace & security are dominant & which ones are marginalized? What is the potential of a feminist perspective of anti/terror/wars? The article examines these questions & briefly outlines the contents of the contributions to this journal. E. Sanchez

"Terrorism. 9/11 in Context" is an anthology of thematic priorities that aims to establish a better understanding of the complexities of terrorism aside from one-dimensional characterisations in media and politics. The main focal points are: The definition of terrorism, its causes, mythological charging and pop cultural realization. Reactions of the state towards the terrorist challenge - the political, military and security
aspects as well as media counter strategies - are also of keen interest. Further, as case-studies from the US,
Latin America and Europe clearly demonstrate the state can also be a perpetrator of terrorism, either during covert operations or by adopting the mirror image of guerrillas and terrorists in counter insurgency warfare.

The main thread of "Terrorism. 9/11 in Context" is the analysis of the "superstructure"- the symbolic and ideological sources of terrorism. Terrorist violence is seen as commitment for radical political change,
which is fuelled not only by political and social grievances, but also by the gratification of a radical-action identity. Thus, terrorism is most of all the product of a powerful idea, which motivates and stimulates
activists, giving them the strong conviction needed to follow through their "project". It's the idea that not
only is it possible to wage resistance against an alleged illegitimate, corrupt authority; it is also possible to inspire others to participate in an avant-garde armed struggle. On the other hand, the perspective of
politicians and authorities on the terrorist enemy is also influenced to a certain degree by imagination and projection - this process is analysed through the depiction of terrorism in cinema, media and the imitation
of terrorist tactics by counter terrorism forces.

Operation Enduring Freedom is aimed at combating terrorists not only in Afghanistan but across the globe. According to the US government, the use of force was still justified under the right of self-defense in response to 9/11 and the continuing attacks by al-Qaeda. The global reach as well as the long-time perspective of the operation, however, raises fundamental questions in terms of the inherent limits of the right to self-defense. The legal leeway of action to a large extent depends on how the concept of an armed attack is interpreted with regard to the threat posed by international terrorism. Adapted from the source document.

The regimes to control weapons of mass destruction fulfill important security functions & contribute to preventing terrorism using these weapons. An analysis based on regime theory reveals stabilizing & destabilizing tendencies as well as conflicts along a north-south divide. In the nuclear non-proliferation regime, the discrimination between nuclear & non-nuclear weapons states, combined with the insufficient implementation of the disarmament obligation, has a destabilizing effect. The biological weapons regime shows a new dynamic regarding biosecurity, but also continuing conflicts over technological exchange & verification. Although the chemical weapons regime appears to be the most stable, urgent action is needed to mitigate & prevent conflicts in the areas of, for example, verification & disarmament. In order for the regimes to effectively fulfill their tasks, structural deficits need to be redressed, & the disarmament, nonproliferation as well as cooperation obligations all need to be implemented fully & in a balanced way. References. Adapted from the source document.

The European Union is dependent on co-operation with its neighbours to create a "space of freedom, security & rule of law". Therefore, topics of domestic & judicial policy -- asylum & immigration, domestic security, the fight against terrorism -- are of the utmost importance for the success of the European Neighbourhood Policy. Furthermore, home affairs policy & judicial policy are inseparable from democracy & rule of law, the key issues in the ENP as a whole. However, it is questionable whether conditionality is effective as leverage for transformation. Furthermore, conflicting aims exist between co-operation in security policy & reform guidelines in the rule of law. The results are therefore modest so far. Adapted from the source document.

Die wachsende Kriegsmüdigkeit in der amerikanischen Öffentlichkeit und im Kongress hat es Präsident Obama politisch ermöglicht, die Abkehr von der kostspieligen zivil-militärischen »Counterinsurgency«-Strategie einzuleiten, ohne Kritik der Republikaner fürchten zu müssen. Der schleichende Übergang zu einer sogenannten »Counterterrorism«-Strategie erhöht den Spielraum für die Truppenreduzierung. Militärisch geht es in der amerikanischen Afghanistan-Strategie gegenwärtig um kaum mehr als die Ausschaltung möglichst vieler Aufständischer durch Tötung und Gefangennahme - sei es in der Hoffnung, die Führung des Gegners verhandlungsbereit zu stimmen, sei es in der Erwartung, dass gestärkte afghanische Sicherheitskräfte so eher in die Lage versetzt werden, mit der letztlich nicht ganz zu beseitigenden Bedrohung fertig zu werden. Im Rahmen einer solchen Antiterrorismusstrategie wollen die USA auch nach 2014 auf längere Sicht in Afghanistan militärisch präsent bleiben