Terminate terrorism
Subtitle: framing, gaming and negotiating conflicts
By: Karen A. Feste.
Series: International studies intensives
Publisher: Paradigm Publishers
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Boulder, Colo
Language: eng
Number of pages: 261
ISBN-13: 9781594518218; 9781594518225
Subjects: Terrorism -- United States -- Prevention; National security -- United States; United States -- Politics and government; United States -- Foreign relations
Description: American policy on terrorism and homeland security since the events of 9/11 reflect well-intentioned efforts to manage and eliminate major international threats. The government has deployed an array of resistance strategies and reform initiatives but without achieving definitive, desired results. International terrorism today poses a major problem for U.S. security. How do threats of terrorism subside? The United States as a superpower has experienced four major episodes of international terrorism: the Cuba skyjacking epidemic (January 1968-February 1973); the Iran hostage crisis (November 1979-January 1981); the Beirut kidnappings in Lebanon (1982-1991); and Al Qaeda suicide bombings that commenced with attacks overseas in late 1990s, graduated to the dramatic events of 2001, and continues with threats today. All these incidents reflect global ideological tension, high drama, and extreme frustration for policymakers who attempted to resolve these conflicts.^

In first three cases, once defense and deterrence strategies were in place, terrorism was brought under control with mutual agreements between disputants: The U.S. decided to negotiate with terrorists in violation of stated policy. To reach that point, decision-makers shifted their view of the conflict and of their opponent. A new perspective motivated parties to seek resolution through interest-based bargaining. This study develops a framework of termination dynamics drawn from conflict resolution theory and research and applies it to three concluded cases and current Al Qaeda problem, offering a method for tracking progression of terrorist conflict. Addresses central question: how does anti-American terrorism end? Shows uniqueness of anti-American terrorism, why it differs from most terrorist campaigns in other countries. Argues that insight into terrorism causes tells little about terrorism termination processes. Provides detailed case studies of recent U.S.^

international terrorism episodes. Analyzes specific conditions that bring anti-American terrorism episodes to a close. Shows that how we decide, through cognitive and instrumental thinking, affects terrorism policy solutions. Presents a dynamic framework for ending stalemated, long-term terrorism. Discusses when to negotiate an end to a terrorist problem--Publisher's description.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.