The differences between today’s terrorism and yesterday’s terrorism is that it is global, lethal, novel, waged by civilians, reliant on hatred and the most advanced technology, and it operates outside moral and legal norms. These changes require new strategies and tactics.

According to a 1970’s expert on terrorism, there are four forms of terrorism: international, transitional, state and domestic. International terrorism is the type of terrorism that is conducted by people controlled by a sovereign state. Transitional terrorism is practiced by autonomous non-state actors, but not necessarily with a sympathetic state. Domestic terrorism involves the nationals of only one state. State terrorism is practiced by a state within its own borders, like genocide by the Nazis.

Kegley states that in the 21st century we are dealing with terrorism and irregular warfare. Transitional terrorists, such as the al-Qaeda, have been successful in breaching our long-standing defense to inflict great harm on Western societies.

Kegley describes four waves of rebel terror and finally September 11th. “Anarchist wave” continued for 40 to

Why is America the primary target? The U.S. has been susceptible to international terrorism mostly because of its engagement on the world scene and its choice of allies. Extremist groups in countries around the world have targeted U.S. interests in an effort to achieve radical political change at home. The U.S. military presence, whether in assisting local regimes or in peacemaking exercises, attracted terrorism, but so too did diplomatic and cultural institutions.

(4) Analysis- Hiring and training outstanding analysts takes time and effort. Analysis lies at the heart of intelligence. It is studied for insights into the intentions of our enemies.

Kegley gives some steps towards improving America’s intelligence capabilities. (1) Planning- Possible targets must be taken seriously. Until September 11th, the threats were not taken seriously. The planning phase involves deciding which nations abroad and at home warrant intelligence surveillance.

(3) Processing- “Raw” intelligence (original language) converted into the form of secret codes.

Kegley points out that the weakest link in the war against world terrorism begins with America’s troubled intelligence agencies. The advantages in signals intelligence are in decline. America is not using the intelligence available to its best ability. For example, the world is quickly changing to digital, along with underground and undersea fiber-optic modes of transportation that rely on light waves instead of electrons to carry information. These new forms of communication are a lot more difficult to tap, leaving the NSA (National Security Agency)

Some topics in this essay:
Kennedy School, Pene Columbia, Kegley Jr, Myth Governments, Nazis Kegley, Security Agency, Myth Terrorism, Dissemination- Intelligence, Arab Farsi, Analysis- Hiring, september 11th, terrorism practiced, intelligence agencies, international terrorism, forms terrorism,