Description
My goal was to study current definitions of terrorism and US counterterrorism policy, identify possible shortcomings, and propose solutions. I discovered basic problems, not only with adequately defining terrorism, but with US government response to one particular form of terrorism–state-sponsored international terrorism. These problems stem from lack of a coordinated, clear definition of state-sponsored international terrorism between US agencies, and failure to attack the appropriate center of gravity of state-sponsored terrorist organizations. I propose a new definition of state-sponsored international terrorism which is more specific and lends itself to clearer policy development; furthermore, our counterterrorism policy should place more emphasis on targeting the sponsoring state, rather than peripheral elements of state-sponsored terrorist groups.
