Understanding Islamist Terrorism: What It Is and How It Threatens the United States of America

The attacks of September 11, 2001 brought the threat of Islamist terrorism to the fore in the minds of American policymakers and strategic thinkers. As the War on Terror unfolded, it has become clear that this new threat is radically different from the monolithic threat of the Cold War era. This thesis offers a three-part analysis of the Islamist threat. First, it offers a comprehensive definition of the threat. This understanding also includes a detailed examination of the socio-cultural background of modern Islamist terrorists. Second, it delves into some of the sources of the Islamists’ capabilities by examining their use of intelligence and counterintelligence as well as the benefits they receive from their state sponsors. Finally, this Thesis details the terrorist threat to the United States and offers a clear and objective assessment of America’s vulnerabilities as well as the terrorists’ capabilities. This final section examines the threats of nuclear, biological, chemical, and cyber terrorism.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Defense and Strategic Studies

Year

2005

Author dc:creator

• Bartley, Caleb M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• C. Walton

• Al Qaeda
• Osama bin Laden
• Islam
• Islamism
• international terrorism
• nuclear terrorism
• biological terrorism
• chemical terrorism
• psychology
• anti-Westernism
• intelligence
• counterintelligence
• Jihad
• Defense and Security Studies

Statement dc:rights

• © Caleb M. Bartley

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1399

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-2400