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Title SEC/464 v4 Domestic and International Terrorism Compare and contrast international and domestic terrorist events using the chart below. International Terrorism Event Domestic Terrorism Event

Justification on how each meets the definition of international terrorism. Justification on how each meets the definition of domestic terrorism.

Summary of the group responsible for the event. Summary of the group responsible for the event.

The purpose and objectives of the event. The purpose and objectives of the event.

The methods used to carry out the terrorism event. The methods used to carry out the terrorism event.

The impact or accuracy of the media covering the event (i.e., did the media promote the groups cause, biases, other considerations). The impact or accuracy of the media covering the event (i.e., did the media promote the groups cause, biases, other considerations).

How are these events alike? How are they different? (1-page comparison)

Paper For Above instruction

The differentiation between domestic and international terrorism is essential for understanding the scope, methods, and impacts of terrorist activities worldwide and within national borders. This essay compares and contrasts a typical international terrorist event and a representative domestic terrorist event, examining their justifications, responsible groups, goals, methods, media portrayal, and overarching similarities and differences.

International Terrorism Event

An exemplary international terrorist event is the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, orchestrated by al-Qaeda. The group hijacked four commercial airplanes to strike targeted locations, notably the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon near Washington, D.C. This event fully meets the criteria for international terrorism, as it was planned and executed by a transnational terrorist organization operating across borders, aiming to influence global politics and security.

The group responsible, al-Qaeda, is a jihadist organization founded by Osama bin Laden, motivated by ideological and political objectives aimed at establishing a pan-Islamic caliphate and opposing Western influence in Muslim countries. Its purpose was to provoke fear, weaken perceived enemies, and recruit followers across nations.

The method employed was sophisticated terrorism involving coordinated hijackings, extensive planning, and the use of aviation as a weapon—a form of asymmetric warfare designed to maximize impact and media attention.

The media coverage of 9/11 was extensive, primarily portraying the event with sensitivity and gravitas. However, some critics argue that initial coverage unintentionally amplified the terrorists' message by broadcasting their videos and statements, potentially fostering fear or propaganda.

Domestic Terrorism Event

An illustrative domestic terrorist event is the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995, carried out by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols. The bombing targeted the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, killing 168 people and injuring hundreds. This act fits the definition of domestic terrorism because it was perpetrated within the United States by individuals or groups with the intent to influence domestic policy or intimidate the population, without foreign direction.

The responsible parties, McVeigh and Nichols, were affiliated with anti-government and militia movements. Their purpose was to retaliate against perceived government overreach, especially following events like the Waco siege, and to inspire anti-government sentiments among Americans.

The methods involved a large truck bomb filled with ammonium nitrate and fuel oil, carefully placed to maximize destruction while avoiding wider international involvement.

Media portrayal of the Oklahoma City bombing was intense, often portraying McVeigh as a domestic terrorist motivated by extremist beliefs. Coverage primarily aimed to inform the public and elicit national sympathy, though some narratives discussed the broader anti-government ideology influencing such acts.

Comparison of Domestic and International Terrorist Events

Both international and domestic terrorism share the core intent of using violence to instill fear, influence political processes, and garner media attention. They often employ asymmetric tactics and aim to attract attention through dramatic acts that transcend normal criminal activity.

Nevertheless, their scope and nature differ significantly. International terrorism involves foreign actors operating across borders, often motivated by ideological, political, or religious motives aimed at foreign governments or global systems. Their planning and support may involve clandestine networks spanning multiple countries. Conversely, domestic terrorism is conducted within national borders by individuals or groups motivated primarily by internal grievances, political ideologies, or social issues, often without direct foreign ties.

Methodologically, international terrorism may incorporate complex, coordinated multi-national plans, larger-scale attacks, and sophisticated weaponry, as exemplified by 9/11. Domestic terrorism, while potentially devastating, often involves more localized, simpler tactics like bombings or shootings, reflecting the resources and networks available domestically.

Media perceptions also vary: international attacks tend to receive extensive global coverage, often emphasizing their symbolic impact, while domestic events are portrayed within a national context, sometimes highlighting ideological motivations or criminal aspects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while domestic and international terrorism share common objectives and violent tactics, their distinctions lie in their scope, origins, organizational support, and societal impact. Recognizing these differences aids law enforcement, policymaking, and public understanding, contributing to more targeted and effective counter-terrorism strategies.

References

• Bamford, J. (2004). Pretext for War: The Covert War on Terrorism. New York: Doubleday.
• Crenshaw, M. (2014). The Causes of Terrorism. In P. Wilkinson (Ed.), Terrorism: An Introduction (pp. 45-68). Routledge.
• Laqueur, W. (2003). Permissible Drone Strikes and International Terrorism. Harvard International Review.
• Neumann, P. R. (2013). Old and New Terrorism: Understanding the New Threats to Global Security. Routledge.
• Sageman, M. (2004). Understanding Terrorist Networks. University of Pennsylvania Press.
• Schmid, A. P. (2011). The Definition of Terrorism. In A. P. Schmid (Ed.), The Routledge Handbook of Terrorism Research. Routledge.
• Sutton, M. (2010). The Evolution of U.S. Domestic Terrorism. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 33(4), 302-319.
• Wilkinson, P. (2011). Terrorism and the Media: Strategies, Perceptions and Risks. Routledge.
• Jenkins, B. M. (2013). International Terrorism: A New Mode of Warfare. RAND Corporation.
• Bloom, M. (2011). Dying to Kill: The Allure of Suicide Terrorism. Columbia University Press.