An International Relations Issue-Terrorism in the United Kingdom - Research Proposal Example

Policy Report Policy Report An international relations issue-Terrorism in the United Kingdom Introduction Terrorism presents a grievous and sustained threat to many nations in the 21st century. Terrorism involves threat of violence and intimidation. Many terrorist acts are politically oriented and are meant to disorganize government’s stand on some key issues. It has been perceived by many as a “holy duty”. Many terroristic groups operate in dire secrecy, a matter that gives challenge to security organs to fight them. Context According to Jackson (2011), the terrorism threat lies anywhere in the world evident in newspapers, theaters, novels, community meetings, parliamentary debates among other forums. It is even part of the universities’ course work. As many nations, the United Kingdom has encountered brutal terrorist activities. Domestic terrorism is organized within the country regardless of foreign assistance whereas international terrorism has links to other governments, and overseas radical groups. The UK Terrorist Act of 2000 recognizes terrorism as an organized operation for the purposes of advancing political, religious, racial and ideological options. However, much is yet to be done to bring the terrorism menace under control. Terrorism is one of the reasons for formation of world bodies such as the European Union, United Nations (UN Security Council) and NATO. It is a recent security threat to the modern society. This paper seeks to explain implications that terrorism continue to impact in society, more specifically in the United Kingdom, the existing policies and mitigation mechanisms and their effectiveness as well as recommendations on the UK’s strategy to combat terroristic influences (M15 Security Services). The terrorism problem The M15 Security Services website reveals three fronts by which terrorism arises in the UK. Firstly are the international terror groups for instance the Al Qaida. These extremist networks engage in terrorist attacks on a global-wide scale causing mass destruction. Secondly, the Northern Ireland terror group who oppose the British ideologies pose a serious threat to UK National security. Lastly, M15 points out to domestic, less patriotic terror groups who however are not versed and well established like their international counterparts (M15 Security Services). United Kingdom has faced severe terror-related experiences in the recent past. In 1969, terrorism activities resulted in loss of life estimated at 4000 in addition to 5000 cases on injured individuals. This was as a result of Northern Ireland Border dispute. Terrorism actions have brought about deep psychological effects and affected the vulnerable fabric of life in the society. This has brought more concerned interest and terrorism related research on the issue. It has led to disrupt of the existing peace coexistence as family units are torn apart as a result of these acts of extreme violence from aggression groups. Staniforth and Sampson, (2012) recognize the economic effects associated with terror activities. Terrorists target vulnerable points so as to seek maximum damage and causalities. This sets off an avalanche of economic reactions. Going by some of the latest case studies, the economic costs resulting from the US September 11 were far beyond measure. The estimates squarely stand at $47billion dollars which equates to 0.46% of the Gross Domestic Product. Use of economic hubs as target places is very costly to UK government as well as costs relating to insurance schemes. This would consequently impose a strain on taxpayers in “cleaning up the mess”. The trading activities on the stock market will also collapse and other key areas in the nation’s financial infrastructure Another dilemma associated with the terrorism group is the “Muslim problem,” the Muslim community that exists within the British society. Aspects of socio-economic seclusion as well as cultural marginalization have been the contributory factors in the Muslim’s radicalization in the UK. In critique efforts, response of marginalized Muslim communities and their related activist groups has the risk of perception by some members of the public as domestic forms of terrorism. The Muslim society has been constantly pointed out that it is a hindrance to future combat to terrorism. This is in view that Muslim activism has been an opposing force to discrimination and marginalization (Cover, 2009) Terrorism activities have consequently resulted in loss of human lives. Cases of kidnapping for ransom more especially the wealthy individuals, political assassinations and mass killings have been disastrous. As outlined by Schmid and Crelinsten, (1993), terrorism involves in excess of two parties. A difference lies between the target of terror and target of violence, as well as distinction between the victim and the opponent. Terrorism, therefore, engages extreme anxiety of being a violence victim and capitalizes on this emotional state for manipulative reasons. When mass causalities occur, the nation loses in terms of human resources where productive individuals are caught up in the attacks, some loses lives whereas others are left disabled and cannot take part in the nation’s productive activities. Terrorist activities have also adversely affected the tourism industry in UK in the past. The psychological effects that come with terror attacks are the reason for reduction annual tourism numbers, both domestic and international tourists. As a well known fact, growth in the tourism sector is dependent on the security level and presence of peace and tranquility. With increased terrorist activities, airlines, harbors, public transport systems and even real estate are potential targets. There is therefore reluctance to engage in tourism activities in unsafe regions (Bonner, 1992). Existing Counter-terrorism Measures Home Office, in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Cabinet Office and Ministry of Justice has an Office for Security and Counter-terrorism that is in place to counter the terrorism aggression. The office operates on four strategies. The first strategy is pursuance to put a stop to terrorism activities. Secondly is the prevention of individuals from supporting terror groups. Thirdly is the strengthening the UK against terror attacks and lastly, mitigation mechanisms in case of occurrence of attacks. Other policies by the UK government are to support of Scottish government, employing science and technology to curb terrorism and working with Northern Ireland authorities to counter attacks originating from that region. The 2010 National Security Strategy outlines terrorism as one of the top 4 threats. The terrorism Act of 2000 forbids terrorism and financing of terror groups as well as banning of terror groups. The protection of Freedoms Act of 2012 was repealed to permit police offer protection to the general public. The Act also reduced the detention period for terror suspect from 28 to 14 days to speed up justice administration. Towards the end of 2011, terrorism Prevention and Investigations Measures Act of 20111 was also instituted to counter terror activities. UK also embraced technology more especially in the use of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) as well as other surveillance techniques as a terrorism mitigation mechanisms (Walker, 2006). It is not right to assume perfect implementation of counter terror legislations. For instance the British security agencies in were not stringent on opposing establishment of Islamic extremists. After the events of 9/11, this stand took a different root but by this time the networks had gone far beyond. Foreign policy for example British ties with Iraq made a better ground for spreading of these groups (Foley, 2013). Recommendations Terrorism is not only a problem in UK but a global menace. Effective mechanisms should be put in place control the spread and aggression of terror groups. The legislations to curb terror attacks are in place. The security agencies should however be empowered in administering these policies. The UK government extensive investment in security and defense will avail the much needed resources to the police and other law enforcement organs. The latest police counter terrorism network should be effectively managed throughout the UK to ensure achievement of its goals both in the short term and long term. With this age, terror groups have become sophisticated, embracing latest technological techniques which are more disastrous than before. Law enforcers therefore should be always a step ahead through the cutting edge intelligence service management, presentation of actual evidence in courts, training including other methods (Staniforth and Sampson, 2012). The public participation should be encouraged in effort to battle terrorism. Real time communication channels should be availed and emergence response mechanism strengthened to interrogate suspicious radicalisms in the society. It should however be done within the law with full awareness of individual rights. Community based approaches on awareness of terrorism, collaboration with authority and post-terror responses will help combat the terrorist activities. Establishing links with neighborhoods contributes to acquisition of intelligence and improves in detecting threats. Conclusion Terrorism is a real threat to the United Kingdom. When a terror attack occurs it costs the nation millions of pounds in costs. Terror attacks also result in mass causalities which creates psychological effects on the population. Possible sources of these threats need to be analyzed and counter terror mechanisms such as use of legislations, empowering security agencies through state funding. Effective implementations of counter terrorism laws will be effective tools towards a “terror-free” United Kingdom. Various stakeholders should be in constant consultation with government agencies to ensure harmonization of fight of terrorism. Community based programs should be interwoven in terror mitigation strategies as this could a great source of intelligence. References Bonner, D. (1992). United Kingdom: the United Kingdom response to terrorism. Terrorism and Political Violence, 4(4), 171-205. Cover, F. (2009). A War on Terror?: The European Stance on a New Threat, Changing Laws and Human Rights Implications. New York: Springer. Das, D. K., & Kratcoski, P. C. (Eds.). (2003). Meeting the challenges of global terrorism: Prevention, control, and recovery. Lexington Books. Foley, F. (2013). Countering Terrorism in Britain and France: Institutions, Norms and the Shadow of the Past. cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Jackson, R., Breen-Smyth, M., Gunning, J., & Jarvis, L. (2011). Terrorism: a critical introduction. Palgrave Macmillan. Laws, E., Prideaux, B., & Chon, K. S. (2006). Crisis management in tourism. Cabi. M15 Security Services: Terrorism: https://www.mi5.gov.uk/home/the-threats/terrorism.html Accessed on 10th April 2014. Schmid, A. P., & Crelinsten, R. D. (Eds.). (1993). Western responses to terrorism. Psychology Press. Staniforth, F. S. (2012). The Routledge Companion to UK Counter Terrorism. Oxon: Routledge. Walker, C. (2006). Clamping down on terrorism in the United Kingdom. Journal of International Criminal Justice, 4(5), 1137-1151. Read More