Terrorism and Empire
Through his 2003 Like Zealots and Romans: Terrorism and Empire in the 21st Century article, author Henner Hess explores the phenomenon of terrorism. Related to this concept, Hess presents a definition of terrorism. Moreover, he presents and defines the categories of terrorism. On the other hand, Hess explains that a novel kind of terrorism has evolved due to changing technological and social changes. Through the article, the author also presents and explains his views about how and what the future world order should be with regard to the issue of terrorism.
The United States of America is an instrumental component and actor in the future world order as concerted worldwide efforts are put forth to combat terrorism. Regarding the definition of terrorism, the author states that terrorism is a particular kind of armed opposition against the American realm. In addition, Hess adds that such resistance has ironically turned out to be an important adversary in the procedure of building the American Empire.
In addition, Hess classifies terrorism into three different conventional types namely: repressive terrorism; social-revolutionary type of terrorism; and insurrectional terrorism having a national, separatist, or ethnic character (Hess, 2003). Repressive terrorism involves the utilization of centralized, ordered aggression to restrain particular groups. Conversely, insurrectional terrorism involves disorganized acts of violent munity against particular powers or entities. Finally, social-revolutionary terrorism is carried out by radical groups that seek change by executing violent acts.
Further, Hess explains that a novel kind of terrorism has emerged owing to modifications in the situations in the world. The author explains that terrorists have decided to modify their strategies owing to issue such as faster global interaction. He observes that the situation in the world is very different from the previous one whereby terrorism was of a local nature. Such a changing world phenomenon has however enabled the flourishing of both international and transnational terrorism. Consequently, the number of terrorist organizations in the world has increased.
With the opening up of the world, national borders have waned. Such borders are thus improperly manned. Conversely, markers have become globalised. Hess adds that commercial and financial mergers coupled with state intervention deregulation offer fresh opportunities for terrorists. In addition, fresh technologies are resulting from advanced communication technology. This situation, coupled with fresh refugee and emigrant communities, which can provide hiding and recruitment hideouts, serves to spur global terrorism. Related to the emerging terrorism trends, Hess presents his view of the future world scenario.
He thus observes that concerted global efforts are required if international terrorism is to be effectively tackled. In addition, he explains that owing to the increasingly sophisticated advances in information technology and global transport, her threat of terrorism will continue to be a significant problem for the entire world. Moreover, the increasing rich-wide gap, growing militancy as well as well as the sprouting of radical groups will add to the threat of global terrorism. According to Hess, all world nations which denounce terrorism ought to from a properly coordinated response to the threat of terrorism.
America is particularly an instrumental component of these anti-terror efforts. Hess explains that the USA has been a crucial player regarding the emergence of terrorism as well as a recipient of terrorist retaliatory hits. The USA should thus take a central role in marshalling resources to combat terrorism as well as coordinating anti-terror activities (Owusu, 2007). I concur with Hess’ assessment that terrorism will continue being an increasingly daunting phenomenon to the world because technology and globalization is fast evolving.
In addition, I also agree with his views that America, being a major actor in the emergence of terrorism as well as significant target for terrorists, should be at the forefront in combating terrorism. References Hess, H. (2003). Like zealots and Romans: Terrorism and empire in the 21st century. Crime, Law, And Social Change, 39 (4), 339-57. Owusu, F. Y. (2007). Post-9/11 U. S. Foreign aid, the millennium challenge account, and Africa: how many birds can one stone kill? Africa Today, 54 (1), 3-26
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