Re-Thinking Terrorism in Light of a War on Terrorism
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Writen byDr. Bruce Hoffman - PublisherRAND Corporation
- YearSeptember 26
Re-Thinking Terrorism in Light of a War on Terrorism is a policy testimony delivered by Dr. Bruce Hoffman before the Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security of the U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence on September 26, 2001. In this testimony, Hoffman provides an analysis of the terrorist threat facing the United States in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. He discusses the nature of terrorism, the motivations behind terrorist groups, and the implications for U.S. national security policy. Hoffman emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to counterterrorism, highlighting the importance of intelligence gathering, interagency coordination, and international cooperation in addressing the evolving threat of terrorism.The insights provided in Hoffman's testimony remain highly relevant in the contemporary context of global terrorism. His emphasis on the necessity for a multifaceted approach to counterterrorism, including intelligence sharing and international collaboration, aligns with current strategies employed to combat terrorist threats. Community engagement mechanisms, such as public awareness campaigns and community policing, are essential components in building resilience against radicalization and fostering cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies.Dr. Bruce Hoffman's testimony offers a timely and insightful analysis of the terrorist threat facing the United States in the early 21st century. His recommendations for a comprehensive and strategic approach to counterterrorism provide valuable guidance for policymakers and security professionals. The testimony's emphasis on intelligence, coordination, and international cooperation underscores the complexity of addressing modern terrorist threats.The strength of Hoffman's testimony lies in its clarity and depth of analysis, providing a nuanced understanding of the terrorist threat and the challenges in combating it. By highlighting the evolving nature of terrorism and the need for adaptive strategies, Hoffman contributes significantly to the discourse on national security and counterterrorism policy. However, the testimony's focus on the immediate post-9/11 context may limit its applicability to more recent developments in the field. Nonetheless, the foundational principles discussed remain pertinent to ongoing efforts in countering terrorism.

