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Learning About Terrorism - Analysis, Simulations, and Future Directions

NCJ Number
70597
Journal
Terrorism Volume: 1 Issue: 3 and 4 Dated: (1978) Pages: 315-329
Author(s)
S Sloan; R Kearney; C Wise
Date Published
1978
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article describes the work of the study group on international terrorism at the University of Oklahoma, which works closely with officials in both the public and private sectors in the application of research.
Abstract
The work covered five phases. In phase 1, problems of definition and of scope were narrowed by the concept of international or transnational terrorism as (1) nonterritorial, (2) politically motivated, and (3) using the threat or use of terror as preplanned and instrumental in reaching goals. In phase 2, the study group developed a 'nonterritorial terrorism (NTT) parameters form' that was employed systematically to collect and organize data on terrorist incidents. Because a pattern regarding the importance of a predetermined bargaining mode pointed to the need for developing effective negotiation training, the study group developed its own scenarios and simulations as part of phase 3. These included a plane cabin mockup and a simulation involving units of the U.S. Army Special Forces staged at a deserted airfield in the Panama Canal Zone. Problems and policy implications were developed in phase 4, including such areas as jurisdictional disputes and the role of the mass media. In phase 5, new scenarios will be developed as well as programs based on the particular finding that, excluding hijackings, most NTT victims have some overt political connection. The article concludes that the work of the study group represents a middle range between abstract theorization and narrowgauge approaches employed by public authorities. Twenty-four references are given.