Citation

Kupperman RH. Terrorism 1977; 1(1): 35-49.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1977)

DOI

10.1080/10576107708435395

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Transnational terrorism has become a pressing policy concern of national governments. Ideally, governments wish to prevent terrorist acts, but prevention may not be possible. Thus, crisis management techniques needed to limit damage are of utmost importance. The policy of "no substantive bargaining with terrorists" must be reexamined if a nation is threatened with very disruptive acts. Clearly, some threats present more perplexing problems than do others. The least difficult variety involves purely financial demands, but a much more serious problem is presented if the terrorists make demands for policy changes. If the bargaining strategy is not successful, measures must be taken to limit the potential damage and the government must seek to decouple the physical effects from potentially severe socioeconomic ramifications. This article is intended to help open a debate on the operational imperatives placed upon a government having to face acts of terrorism and does not deal with the underlying causes. While it is easy to conjure terrorist monsters, we can as easily harm ourselves by not taking reasonable preparedness measures.

Language: en