Citation

Vad E. CNS Spectr. 2018; 23(2): 158-165.

Affiliation

Department of International Relations,Geschwister-Scholl-Institute for Political Sciences,Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich,Munich,Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, MBL Communications)

DOI

10.1017/S1092852917000724

PMID

29070091

Abstract

"Fighting terrorism is like eating soup with a fork" (Shimon Peres). Peres's quote symbolically captures the key problem of countering terrorism. 9/11 proved to be a hallmark in the global perception of modern terrorism. The following questions form the framework of the present essay: What is the essence of modern terrorism? How did it develop during the past two decades? Who are the key players within the terror framework? What are the root causes for global terrorism? How are we to deal appropriately with the global phenomenon of terrorism? Are there any solutions (short-, medium-, long-term) to terrorism? If yes, where do we have to look for them? The underlying essay provides a strategic overview of antiterrorism policy that is based on the author's years-long experience as a high-level expert and advisor within the security policy framework. For this reason, citations are expressly not included. The key target audience comprises laypersons interested in the phenomenon of global terrorism and its social interplay.

Language: en

Keywords

Counterterrorism; Daesh; Europe; Middle East; attacker; demographic change; root causes; security; special forces; terrorism