NCJ Number
190531
Journal
Journal of Homeland Security Dated: October 2000 Pages: 1-4
Date Published
October 2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This document describes an “active defense” outside the United States, to guard against threats emanating from overseas and to protect American citizens and assets abroad.
Abstract
There are several trends that have redefined the playing field for those involved in Homeland Defense. First, American citizens, assets, and interests are increasingly found outside of the country, necessitating protection on non-American soil, as well as in the United States. The threat to Americans, whether residing in the country or abroad, is often planned and perpetrated from outside the United States. The bombings of United States embassies in East Africa show how networks of terrorists have formed a nexus of support for attacks thousands of miles away. Today’s terrorists can come from the farthest reaches of the world to threaten citizens in this country. Creating a community of allies that are intolerant of terrorism and threats is essential to developing a long-term sustainable international strategy to defend the homeland. Efforts must be made to disrupt terrorist activity, deny terrorists sanctuary, bolster the counter-terrorist capability of those states willing to fight terrorists, and isolate those states that refuse to vigorously fight terrorism. Today’s terrorist threat comes primarily from non-state actors with less direct ties to governments. The principal motivations behind most terrorist movements now are primarily religious and cultural. Terrorists are taking advantage of technological advances in communications, transportation, and money transfer to plan and implement international operations. Terrorists are increasingly using the Internet and computers as a means of communication, command and control, and propaganda dissemination. They are actively pursuing chemical and biological capabilities. These international threats to the homeland are complex and multifaceted, and need a sophisticated, multidimensional response.