Sec4 express chapter1(managing peace and security)_transnational_terrorism
Managing Peace And Security: Regional &International Conflict Transnational Terrorism
Gulf War (Iraq-Kuwait War) is an example of a conflict that can be resolved quickly because: ◦ Aggressor (the country who initiated armed conflict) known ◦ Diplomatic efforts could be directed towards this state ◦ If war resulted…then there was a target for the forces New challenge facing international stability – transnational terrorismManaging Peace and Security:Regional & International Conflict
Terrorism: The use of violence and armed conflict to strike fear in the people of a nation to achieve political goals and weaken the government. Not a new idea… ◦ E.g. LTTE and IRA activities to de-stabilise the governments of Sri Lanka and Northern Ireland. ◦ Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) used terrorism to force Israel to grant independence to a separate Palestinian State.Managing Peace and Security:Regional & International Conflict
What is transnational terrorism? ◦ “…involves the unlawful use of force or indiscriminate (lacking in careful choice) violence by internationally-linked groups against persons and properties in many different parts of the world…” (Txt: p29)Managing Peace and Security:Regional & International Conflict
The Sept 11th 2001 terrorist act, also known as “9-11” showed that: ◦ Transnational terrorists could carry out simultaneous mass attacks, which were well planned in advance. They also had good training before they carried out their violence. ◦ Transnational terrorists were willing to die for their cause. Not opposed to killing many innocent people for their cause. (Adapted from Retnasamy. A, Perfect Guide: Social Studies Secondary 4&5, Marshall Cavendish, Singapore: 2011., pManaging Peace and Security:Regional & International Conflict
“9-11” attacks brought the entire USA to a standstill and this had a great economic and psychological impact on the world. ◦ Created fear in the hearts of everyone…anyone could be a target. ◦ Business costs have gone up due to a lot more money has to be spent on securityManaging Peace and Security:Regional & International Conflict
What is Al-Qaeda? ◦ Al-Qaeda (or The Base) was created in 1989 by Osama Bin Laden. Formed from a network of Arab volunteers who fought against Soviets in Afghanistan in 1980s.* ◦ Osama’s offer to form a force to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi forces rejected by Saudi royal family… ◦ Unhappy with Western forces stationed on Arab soil ◦ Goals: To rid Muslim countries of Western influence Establish a global Islamic caliphate based on extreme interpretations of Islamic concepts ◦ Achieve these goals – through terrorism against US and its allies.Managing Peace and Security:Regional & International Conflict
Why is it so significant? ◦ Planned & executed many attacks since “9-11”. ◦ Multinational membership – groups or cells operating in many countries. No single HQ ◦ Makes use of globalisation – Internet & international banking to plan attacks ◦ Resilient: Uses internet/social media to spread deviant Islamic concepts rapidly and “taps” on unhappiness of followers towards Western influence and the negative effects of globalisationManaging Peace and Security:Regional & International Conflict
Impacts of Trans-terrorism - Economic ◦ (See quote on p.35) ◦ Economic Impact US economy – the loss of life & property cost insurers $US40billion. Airline industry lost a lot of business people afraid to fly Governments had to provide economic help to the airline industry to prevent airlines from closing down. After Bali attacks – Tourism affected. Governments – increased spending on security of airports and transportation servicesImpacts of Trans-Terrorism
Impact of Trans-Terrorism – Social ◦ Acts of terrorism - create tensions bet. religious groups and ethnic groups esp. if terrorists are “home-grown” (fellow citizens) ◦ Forced governments not to take racial/religious harmony for granted. ◦ Many countries including Singapore developing programmes to engage citizens to build social cohesion and harmony. ◦ Purpose: To build & strengthen communal bonds so that these bonds will ease tensions in the aftermath of a crisis…such as a terrorist attack – should one occurImpacts of Trans-Terrorism
Impact of Terrorism - Political ◦ Government has an additional responsibility to keep their citizens safe from terrorism ◦ Stepped up border controls/security ◦ Greater checks on travellers identities & belongings ◦ Introduce laws that give governments greater powers to investigate and prosecute suspected terrorists. Singapore has legislation for detention without trial (e.g. Internal Security Act – ISA) to counter acts of terrorismImpact of Trans-Terrorism
Regional response – ASEAN’s efforts ◦ ASEAN leaders view terrorism as a major threat ◦ Determination to cooperate against transnational terrorists through joint police & intelligence measures Information & intelligence exchange between security forces Used the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to discuss transnational terrorism issues. 2007 some measures that committed their national security and law enforcement agencies to work together.Can Trans-Terrorism be managed?
International response – UN’s efforts ◦ The scale of “9-11” attacks mobilised the international community. Passed resolutions to: freeze financial assets of terrorists and their supporters Deny travel and safe haven Prevent recruitment, weapons supply Cooperate with member countries in info sharing and prosecution ◦ UN set up Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) Provides technical assistance to countries to help them carry out anti-terrorism resolutions.Can Trans-Terrorism be managed?
Have the Regional & International measures been effective? ◦ To some extent…but the trans-national terrorist groups are still able to operate: Terrorists have been able to evade security restrictions Terrorists continue to be able to recruit and influence people to their cause. They make use of the Internet and social media to spread their false ideologiesCan Trans-Terrorism be managed?
Individual level – creating environments that stop false ideologies ◦ All citizens have a role to play in countering terrorism ◦ No ambiguity (no clear position, no wavering) in our stand against such false ideas ◦ Actively reject these ideas, by rationally explaining and persuading others why these ideas are false and potentially dangerous.Can Trans-Terrorism be managed?
What is transnational terrorism? What is the difference between conventional terrorism and transnational terrorism? What are the impacts of transnational terrorism?Key points