Terrorism I: Definition and
Scope of the Terrorist Threat
Rob Moser • Pat McDonald
Terrorism I:
Introduction
•
What made 9/11 a historical watershed event?
How did it change US foreign
policy goals, American public opinion on the tradeoff between security and
liberty, domestic security levels due to increased vulnerability, and the balance
between executive and legislative authority over foreign policy?
•
According to the Byford reading and lecture, what are the complications
associated with defining terrorism? What does Byford mean when he suggests
the U.S. should put “interests first, goals second, means third” when constructing
a counter-terrorism strategy?
•
How are terrorist groups different from other types of threats to U.S. national
interests?
Are terrorist groups rational? Compare and contrast the arguments for
and against the idea that terrorist groups are rational political actors.
