Terrorism and CBRN Attacks

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What did al Qaeda's fascination with CBRN reflect, according to Libicki et al. (2007)?

The fear of WMD terrorism in the US

Their own fear of WMD terrorism

Our own fascination with CBRN (correct)

The likelihood of more terrorist incidents

What was the purpose of the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program (1991)?

To combat nuclear terrorism

To strengthen the Chemical Weapons Convention

To reduce the threat of CBRN weapons (correct)

To provide aid to NSA

What is the significance of the year 2001 in the context of international responses to terrorism?

It was the year the UNSCR 1373 was adopted (correct)

It marked the beginning of the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction

It was the year the Proliferation Security Initiative was launched

It was the year the Chemical Weapons Convention was signed

What is the primary target of terrorism, according to Alex P. Schmid's definition?

Mainly civilians and non-combatants Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (2006)?

To combat nuclear terrorism Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the Nuclear Security Summit Process (2010-2016)?

To enhance nuclear security Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of non-state actors in seeking CBRN weapons?

To maximize propagandistic and psychological effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge in defining terrorism, according to Sinai (2008) and Hoffman (2006)?

The subjective and ambiguous nature of the term Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of demonstrative, direct violent action in terrorism, according to Alex P. Schmid's definition?

To create propagandistic and psychological effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of terrorism that distinguishes it from other forms of violence, according to Alex P. Schmid's definition?

The lack of legal or moral restraints Signup and view all the answers

What is a perceived shift in the use of terrorism, as described by Brian Jenkins in 2006?

From wanting a lot of people watching to wanting a lot of people watching and a lot of people dead Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable example of a terrorist attack that demonstrates the growing lethality of terrorist attacks?

Mumbai attacks (2008) Signup and view all the answers

What is a factor that has contributed to the perceived increase in the threat of terrorism?

The collapse of the Soviet Union Signup and view all the answers

What is a concern related to the Aum Shinrikyo sarin gas attack in 1995?

The attack demonstrated the ease of obtaining and using weapons of mass destruction Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of the biotechnological revolution?

The increased risk of biological weapons proliferation Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the SADF committee to decide on secrecy in Project Coast?

To avoid international scrutiny and sanctions Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of excluding ARMSCOR from the initial phases of Project Coast?

To maintain secrecy and avoid detection by adversaries Signup and view all the answers

What was considered as one of the possible uses of chemical and biological weapons in South Africa?

Black population control and counter-insurgency Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the 1980 review conference for the 1975 Biological Weapons Convention in the context of South Africa?

No delegation from South Africa appeared at the conference Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated impact of wearing protective suits on the combat effectiveness of Cuban and Angolan forces, according to Malan?

A 50% reduction in combat effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What motivates terrorists to choose unconventional weapons, such as chemical and biological weapons, over conventional weapons?

Terrorists may choose unconventional weapons to inflict massive casualties and create fear, as well as to compensate for their military inferiority. Signup and view all the answers

How does religion influence the motivations and actions of terrorist groups, such as the Rajneeshees and Aum Shinrikyo?

Religion can provide a justification for violence and a sense of righteousness, as well as influence the choice of targets and weapons. Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence a terrorist group's choice of weapons, including the decision to use weapons of mass destruction?

Factors such as the group's ideology, military capabilities, and desired outcome can influence the choice of weapons, including the decision to use weapons of mass destruction. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to analyze the factors that shaped the worldviews of terrorist groups?

To identify concepts that may help understand their trajectories and their choice of weapons material. Signup and view all the answers

What does the comparison of motives and outcomes of mass casualty terrorism aim to achieve?

To identify concepts that may help understand the trajectories and weapon choices of terrorist groups. Signup and view all the answers

Why do terrorists often opt for conventional weapons despite the perceived threat of unconventional weapons?

Terrorists' own logic and motivations, which may not be evident to outsiders, influence their choice of weapons, and unconventional weapons may not be seen as the most effective means to achieve their goals. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred from the fact that terrorist groups often do not opt for unconventional weapons, despite their potential for mass destruction?

Terrorist groups may not see unconventional weapons as the most effective means to achieve their goals, or they may be deterred by other factors such as the difficulty of obtaining these weapons. Signup and view all the answers