A Brief Theory of Terrorism and Technology Revisited

Terrorism, strictly defined, is an ancient political instrument. Its strategic objective is to instill terror and by so doing alter attitudes and prospective behavior among selected political targets. Technology circumscribes tactics of both terrorism and counterterrorism. Investment in the latest defense technology ostensibly advantages counterterrorism. In practice, technical advantage does not necessarily confer decisive strategic advantage, especially if the effort concentrates solely upon physical defense. Effective defense against terrorism additionally requires sophisticated political counter-strategy in order to influence prospective behavior of terrorists and potential terrorists as well as other parties.