Lecture 4 : Terrorism and the City Flashcards
(33 cards)
What are 4 key characteristics of terrorism according to Wilkinson (2006)?
It is always premeditated – isn’t a spur of the moment/ have planned.
It retains a symbolic element
considered to be extra-normal
It is used to influence political behaviour
PEIS
How many incidents of terrorism occurred between 1970 and 2020 according to the global terrorism database?
200,000 incidents.
How does the global terrorism database define terrorism?
Acts by non-state actors involving the threatened or actual use of illegal force or violence to attain political, economic, religious, or social goals through fear, coercion, or intimidation.
Non-state actors use illegal force to achieve goals through fear
What type of terrorism is not included in the global terrorism database’s definition?
State terrorism, where states target groups and citizens, is not included.
Which countries have the highest number of terrorist incidents according to the global terrorism database?
Afghanistan followed by Iraq.
Which group/perpatrators is responsible for the most terrorism incidents according to the global terrorism database?
The Taliban.
How has the nature of terrorism changed according to the document?
Terrorism is now more global.
What is a broader target of attacks on cities beyond just governments and those in power?
destroying ….
Destroying a way of life and the tolerance of differences characteristic of cities.
What revenge does Herold (2004) suggest about the imposition of rural values on cities?
the revenge of the poor countryside against the city.
the 6 practical considerations for targeting cities:
C: Communication facilities
A: Anonymity (degree of)
R: Recruitment and proximity to others in a network
T: Transport
S: Sourcing components or funds (ease of)
W: Wealth of target
CARTS W
Why would terrorists target a city based on population distribution?
A high percentage of the world’s population lives in cities or urban areas.
How does the shift in demographics and urbanization affect the accessibility of targets for terrorists?
The increasing number of people who live, work, and socialize in cities increases the number of accessible targets.
Why might buildings in cities be attractive targets for terrorists?
Buildings often have strong symbolic meanings
According to the graph, which type of terrorism has caused the most deaths?
Nationalist terrorism.
According to De la Calle and Sanchez Cuenca, where did terrorism as an innovation originate?
Terrorism is argued to be a European innovation.
Why do terrorists seek media coverage for their acts?
Terrorists want media coverage to publicize their cause.
What have some media critics suggested about the relationship between media coverage and political violence?
They suggested that political violence would radically decline or even disappear if the media were not so eager to cover terrorist events.
What are the 5 strategies, tactics, and targets of urban terrorists according to Harmon (2001)?
Create a sense of social dislocation
Spread fear and chaos
Provoke governments to engage in repressive counter-terrorist responses
Inflict economic and military damage
Gain publicity; terrorism is “theatre” aimed at people watching, not the actual victims (Jenkins, 1975)
What did Savitch (2003) describe 9/11 as in terms of economic impact?
A “contagion of economic distress.”
What percentage of American cities reported that their economies had weakened after 9/11?
41%.
What was the effect on public confidence and municipal revenues in American cities after 9/11?
… of cities reported a fall in municipal revenues,
… indicated steep drops in public confidence.
30% of cities reported a fall in municipal revenues, and 28% indicated steep drops in public confidence.
What term did Savitch (2003) use to describe the cultural impact of terrorism on urban areas?
The bin Laden effect.’
How has fear and insecurity changed in cities after 9/11?
Cities have become more fearful and insecure, especially among those closest to and living in cities.
What demographic changes occurred in cities post-9/11?
people moved to ..
People, particularly the middle-class and well-educated, fled cities for safer suburbs and rural areas.
