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12. Pan Am 103 and the Birth of “No Double Standard”
- Author:
- Richard Gilbert
- Publication Date:
- 02-2023
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- American Diplomacy
- Institution:
- American Diplomacy
- Abstract:
- On December 12, 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest and detention of Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi (Mas’ud), 71, of Tunisia and Libya, the suspected maker of the bomb that destroyed Pan American Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, 34 years earlier. In addition to being a sharp reminder of the tragic deaths of 270 innocent persons in 1988, the announcement of Mas’ud’s arrest also brought home for me decades-old questions about what was “known in advance” and the birth of the U.S. government’s No Double Standard policy. The news about Mas’ud sent my mind swirling back 34 years to the discussion at our weekly section heads meeting in Moscow in mid-December 1988; I participated in these Country Team meetings as embassy Press Attaché. That day, Administrative Counselor Bill Kelly reported receiving an unclassified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) “Threat to Civil Aviation” warning, sent to several embassies. By citing Pan American specifically, the warning had special resonance for the official Moscow community. At the time, our usual route to the U.S. under required “Fly America” rules put us on Pan American’s daily flight to Frankfurt or London, then onward to the U.S.
- Topic:
- Diplomacy, Terrorism, and Memoir
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Scotland
13. What should the EU do about violent extremism?
- Author:
- Dylan Macchiarini Crosson, Tatjana Stankovic, Pernille Rieker, and Steven Blockmans
- Publication Date:
- 07-2023
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
- Abstract:
- Despite a recent spike in concern about a resurgence in great power conflict, addressing terrorism and violent extremism has driven the foreign policy debate in the collective West for the better part of two decades since 9/11. In the European Union, these concerns most prominently emerged in the 2003 European Security Strategy (ESS) that identified terrorism and “violent religious extremism” originating in the EU’s neighbourhood and caused by weak institutions, conflict, and state failure as a primary concern. The crux of the matter, however, is how this increased attention translates in policy terms. In other words, is the EU’s chosen CT-P/CVE policy mix balanced and fit for purpose? First, the EU’s CT-P/CVE action can hardly be framed according to a binary security versus democracy logic because of the significant emphasis placed by the EU on socio-economic development to address the structural causes of violent extremism. Second, despite the EU’s developmental focus, the language of good governance and peacebuilding, as well as funding for these areas, are key elements missing from the EU’s engagement. In order to remedy the many upstream and downstream diplomatic trade-offs that EU policymakers face in tackling violent extremism, the EU must begin to frame CT-P/CVE as part of its wider endeavour to support sustainable peace. It can do this by formulating an EU Agenda for Peace that once again underlines the EU’s commitment to promoting inclusive governance, community resilience, and social justice.
- Topic:
- Security, Diplomacy, Terrorism, Violent Extremism, European Union, and Conflict
- Political Geography:
- Europe
14. The EU and CT-P/CVE in its external action
- Author:
- Dylan Macchiarini Crosson, Tatjana Stankovic, Pernille Rieker, and Steven Blockmans
- Publication Date:
- 07-2023
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
- Abstract:
- This article re-frames the ongoing democracy versus security debate surrounding the European Union’s (EU) policies to counter terrorism and prevent/counter violent extremism (CT-P/CVE). Indeed, extant literature has primarily focused on how the EU’s CTP/CVE-specific emphasis on security concerns has come at the expense of attention towards good governance and social justice, thereby undermining the effectiveness of its approach. After reviewing general concepts discerned from previous research on the EU’s CT-P/CVE policy, tracing its approach over time, analysing key documents, and conducting interviews with policymakers, this analysis finds that the EU – in its words, funding, and policy implementation – also pays significant CT-P/CVE-relevant attention to the structural causes of radicalisation to violent extremism and terrorism by mobilising significant developmentoriented resources and diplomatic energy. By doing so, the EU’s CT-P/CVE policies balance an emphasis on security concerns and broader socio-economic and diplomatic engagement. However, the EU simultaneously de-emphasises good governance and peacebuilding, which must be reinforced and mainstreamed across its primary developmental engagement for the EU’s CT-P/CVE approach to be considered fully fit-for-purpose.
- Topic:
- Security, Terrorism, Governance, Violent Extremism, European Union, Democracy, and Peacebuilding
- Political Geography:
- Europe
15. 2023 Annual Estimate of the Strategic Security Environment
- Author:
- The Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College
- Publication Date:
- 08-2023
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- The Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College
- Abstract:
- The Annual Estimate of the Strategic Security Environment serves as a guide for academics and practitioners in the defense community on the current challenges and opportunities in the strategic environment. This year’s publication outlines key strategic issues across the four broad themes of Regional Challenges and Opportunities, Domestic Challenges, Institutional Challenges, and Domains Impacting US Strategic Advantage. These themes represent a wide range of topics affecting national security and provide a global assessment of the strategic environment to help focus the defense community on research and publication. Strategic competition with the People’s Republic of China and the implications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine remain dominant challenges to US national security interests across the globe. However, the evolving security environment also presents new and unconventional threats, such as cyberattacks, terrorism, transnational crime, and the implications of rapid technological advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence. At the same time, the US faces domestic and institutional challenges in the form of recruiting and retention shortfalls in the all-volunteer force, the prospect of contested logistics in large-scale combat operations, and the health of the US Defense Industrial Base. Furthermore, rapidly evolving security landscapes in the Arctic region and the space domain pose unique potential challenges to the Army’s strategic advantage.
- Topic:
- Security, Arms Control and Proliferation, Corruption, Migration, Science and Technology, Terrorism, Partnerships, Weapons, Xi Jinping, Strategic Competition, Logistics, People's Liberation Army (PLA), and Democratic Backsliding
- Political Geography:
- Africa, Russia, China, Europe, Eurasia, Ukraine, Middle East, Asia, Arctic, United States of America, and Indo-Pacific
16. Selected Areas of Terrorism Threats with Relevance for Austria and the EU
- Author:
- Daniela Pisoiu and Annika Scharnagl
- Publication Date:
- 10-2023
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Austrian Institute for International Affairs (OIIP)
- Abstract:
- The policy analysis highlights the interconnectedness of right-wing extremist groups in the United States and Europe, the connection between populist parties and right-wing extremist organizations in Scandinavia and looks at terrorism in the Sahel region. It discusses the emergence of groups like Atomwaffen Division (AWD) and their affiliates in various countries, including Germany and Austria. Recent arrests and crackdowns reveal the presence of sympathizers and potential threats. The policy analysis emphasizes the need for vigilance, given the global nature of extremist ideologies and the potential for further incidents. Furthermore, the analysis explores the rise of right-wing populist parties in Scandinavian countries, highlighting their anti-immigration stances. It discusses instances where politicians have associated with neo-Nazi groups, raising concerns about extremist ties within these parties. The policy analysis underscores the implications of such connections for both politics and societal acceptance of right-wing extremist groups. In addition, the Sahel region is identified as a global epicenter of terrorism, marked by coups and increasing violence. The analysis highlights the challenges faced by governments in the region, including terrorism-related deaths, climate change, food insecurity, and population growth. It notes the shift of attacks from the Chad-Niger-Cameroon border to Mali-Burkina Faso-Niger, presenting a growing concern. The policy analysis also mentions recent activities of Boko Haram and other ISIS affiliates in the region. In conclusion, the analysis emphasizes that Austria must consider both domestic and global factors in addressing the evolving terrorism landscape. The interconnected nature of extremism requires a comprehensive approach.
- Topic:
- Security, Terrorism, European Union, and Far Right
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Austria
17. Retos de la seguridad pública en España
- Author:
- Diego Torrente
- Publication Date:
- 12-2023
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Journal on International Security Studies (RESI)
- Institution:
- International Security Studies Group (GESI) at the University of Granada
- Abstract:
- El presente número de la Revista de Estudios en Seguridad Internacional debate sobre los retos actuales de la seguridad pública en España. Lo hace desde el punto de vista de las amenazas, pero también de las instituciones y en particular de la Policía. Quizás la contribución principal del monográfico es que sus aportaciones, primero, miran al contexto europeo ofreciendo una perspectiva comparada y, segundo, se centran en algunos de los debates actuales importantes en la literatura policial y criminológica. Cada contribución la firman académicos reconocidos en su ámbito de saber. Se trata de una selección de seis artículos que parten de un retrato inicial sobre cómo es la cultura de la seguridad pública en Europa. Tras esta visión de fondo, siguen las contribuciones sobre los desafíos actuales que suponen tres tipos de delincuencia compleja: la criminalidad organizada de motivación económica, el terrorismo, y la ciberdelincuencia. Esas formas delictivas son determinantes en el futuro inmediato de la seguridad colectiva. El número culmina con dos aportaciones sobre las implicaciones que tienen éstos y otros retos para la legitimidad de la Policía y, sobre todo, la forma en que ésta responda a ellos. Finalmente, la última contribución analiza las implicaciones para la Policía desde la perspectiva de su responsabilidad social corporativa.
- Topic:
- Terrorism, Police, Organized Crime, and Public Safety
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Spain
18. EU-Africa relations ahead of the EU-AU Summit: Taking stock, looking forward
- Author:
- Pavlos Petidis
- Publication Date:
- 02-2022
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
- Abstract:
- The European Union’s (EU) development policy is a broad field of activity that has undergone multiple significant modifications in both its definitions and its goals. The external relations of the European Union have long included development policy, resulting in an asymmetrical relationship with Africa. Since the turn of the century, the scope of the EU-Africa relationship has expanded to cover new challenges including climate change, terrorism, trade liberalization, and migration. EU development policies reveal a long-term shift in EU development priorities away from fundamental development goals and toward a wider array of ambitions, actors, and methodologies. Identifying and prioritizing the International Organizations on which it and its member states should best focus their diplomatic and political capital is a challenge. Given the political clout and relevance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for the continent’s economic development, the EU can concentrate its efforts on encouraging its implementation by deepening its Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). Working together to strengthen multilateralism and support the implementation of the European Green Deal and the AfCFTA form the axis of a new articulated African agency.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Development, Diplomacy, Migration, Terrorism, European Union, Partnerships, and African Union
- Political Geography:
- Africa and Europe
19. Are the effects of terrorism short-lived?
- Author:
- Vincenzo Bove, Georgios Efthyvoulou, and Harry Pickard
- Publication Date:
- 06-2022
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Numerous studies demonstrate that terrorism causes strong public reactions immediately after the attack, with important implications for democratic institutions and individual well-being. Yet, are these effects short-lived? We answer this question using a quasi-experimental design and data on three successful and three foiled terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom. We find that heightened risk perceptions and emotional reactions in the wake of successful attacks do not dissipate in the very short run but are sustained over time and up to 130 days after the attacks. We also find that, whereas large-scale attacks cause a long-lasting shift in risk assessments and emotions, the corresponding effect of smaller-scale terrorism incidents appears to subside within one month. Interestingly, foiled attacks can also affect public perceptions, which, however, quickly return to normal levels. We argue that the extent of media coverage is partly responsible for the duration of these effects.
- Topic:
- Terrorism, Emotions, and Risk
- Political Geography:
- United Kingdom and Europe
20. Assessing Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Initiatives Across the West – Lessons Learned
- Author:
- Elena Savoia, Michael King, Anna Ekström, Diána Hughes, Adam Baker, and Lauren LaBrique
- Publication Date:
- 12-2022
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Fletcher Security Review
- Institution:
- The Fletcher School, Tufts University
- Abstract:
- Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) programs worldwide aim to prevent individuals from engaging in terrorism. However, such programs vary widely in their approaches, which range from public awareness campaigns aimed at educating populations about the risks of violent extremist ideologies to in-person interventions for individuals who have already been radicalized and, in some instances, engaged in terrorist activities.
- Topic:
- Terrorism, Radicalization, and Countering Violent Extremism
- Political Geography:
- Europe and United States of America