The Science and Technology of Counterterrorism

Chapter 5

Exploiting Terrorism Uncertainty

5.1 Introduction: Addressing Terrorism Risk Factors

What constitutes “success” to a terrorist? Before 9/11 it typically meant harming or killing as many people as possible without getting caught or causing harm to oneself. This is one reason 9/11 was a game-changer, since that model no longer applied. Nowadays suicide bombings are common among certain groups who commit acts of terrorism to achieve their ends. For these individuals, getting caught in the act is of little concern. This is an important consideration in developing an effective risk-mitigation strategy.

Nevertheless, the principle that drives suicidal terrorists is also relevant to other terrorism attack vectors. Namely, terrorists seek to achieve ...