NCJ Number
101839
Date Published
1985
Length
201 pages
Annotation
This study defines and analyzes state-sponsored terrorism and suggests U.S. counterterrorism responses.
Abstract
Data were obtained from research conducted in many countries, including unclassified sources in the United States. State-sponsored terrorism is the 'direct or indirect instigation, by a government, of official and nonofficial groups to exercise psychological or physical violence against political opponents, another government, or other entities for purposes of coercion and widespread intimidation to bring about a desired political or strategic objective.' Such tactics by one government in subversion of another provide the option of plausible denial and lack of public accountability. An international terrorist network permits two or more governments to support a terrorist operation. Cases in which a consortium of governments participate in the conceptual and planning stages of a terrorist operation appear to be increasing. The supplying of funds, training, armaments, and political support from the Soviet Union and other governments to such mainline organizations as the Palestine Liberation Organization permits the funneling of funds to smaller terrorist factions throughout the world. U.S. countermeasures for state-sponsored terrorism include intelligence, cooperation with allies, economic and security assistance, political and diplomatic pressures, economic sanctions, and information campaigns. U.S. military options include the counterterrorist infiltration of terrorist groups, covert support for foreign counterterrorist military operations, military preemptive operations, and military operations against terrorist bases and forces used against U.S. targets. Documents, maps, and graphs.