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Counterterrorism Policy and the Political Process

NCJ Number
190727
Journal
Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Volume: 24 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2001 Pages: 329-337
Author(s)
Martha Crenshaw
Date Published
2001
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This document examines counterterrorism and the political process in the United States.
Abstract
Counterterrorism policy is not just a response to the threat of terrorism, but a reflection of the domestic political process. Because not all issues can be dealt with simultaneously, the president, different agencies within the executive branch, Congress, the media, interest groups, and experts in academia compete to set the national policy agenda. The political process within the executive branch is characterized by progressive expansion of the number of agencies involved; overlapping lines of authority among them; expansion of jurisdictions to encompass new issues; parochialism; and competition. Congress frequently plays a critical role in shaping the counterterrorism policy agenda, without the constraint of having to present an integrated solution to the problem. Actors outside the government also try to shape the public policy agenda. Interest groups and communities of experts seek access to decision makers in order to promote favored issues. Among interest groups, in the area of terrorism, business interests may oppose economic sanctions against state sponsors. The families of victims of terrorism, as well as victims themselves, have mobilized to influence policy. The early development of counterterrorism policy was influenced by interactions between individual government agencies and specific interest groups. All of these actors use the news media to articulate and disseminate their views not only to the public but also to other elites. Terrorist attacks will contribute to putting this issue on the national policy agenda. The policy will be developed within a general framework of diffusion of power. Due to pressures from Congress, the president will not be able to set the agenda for counterterrorism policy with as much freedom as he can in other policy areas. Implementation of policy decisions will also be affected by controversy, due to rivalries among agencies with operational responsibilities. 34 notes