| What is an effective counterterrorism strategy? Using the case of the conflict in Northern Ireland and the case of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, this project tests the arguments of Paul Wilkinson and Peter Sederberg, concerning approaches to the threat of terrorism, in order to determine whether coercion, conciliation, or some combination of the two most effectively responds to the threat of terrorism. As the Northern Ireland case shows, a balanced approach that includes good security policy and addressing the economic, social, and/or legal issues that lie at the root of the conflict out of which the use of terrorism evolved will address security and defense issues, and the underlying motivations of the terrorist organizations. It serves to defend the state, undermine popular support because grievances are being addressed, ease the co-optation of terrorist organizations (if possible), and improve chances for success of negotiations. Coercive and conciliatory approaches each have their place, but neither can stand alone. |
