Assignment:
Case
Terrorism and Domestic Terrorism Definitions and Theory
Assignment Overview
Read the articles provided. Focus on groups, their agendas, goals, ideology. Read Marighella, (1969). Mini-manual of the Urban Guerrilla to gain an understanding as to why it is a primer document for terrorist tactics throughout the Americas. I would suggest a review of Major Marques Command and Staff Paper, 2003 as a counter balance to this manual.
You will note the reference to guerrilla warfare in lieu of terrorism. They are different and at the same time very much alike in personnel, tactics, strategy, tools and vision. Each organization has its own signature or footprint that makes it unique.
Case Assignment
Link to "10 Terrorist Organizations Operating in the US"
Pick two (2) U.S. Domestic terrorist groups. Write an essay that provides general understanding and applied insight into the groups' theory, background and motivations plus answering the questions:
1. Why is the group a terrorist group?
2. Under which terrorist theory category does it fall?
3. Where does the group operate?
4. What are the group's objectives?
5. How is the group organized?
6. How is the group financed?
7. Is the group linked to any other groups?
8. Does the group have strong organization and or communications (security)?
9. Has/was the group been infiltrated by the FBI? If so, how?
10. Your assessment on the group's future viability.
If you cannot find the answer to the above questions for your group, then there must be a reason why? Use your critical thinking and answer based on your views.
Assignment Expectations
Length: This Case Assignment should be at least 3 to 5 pages not counting the title page and references.
References: At least two references should be included from academic sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources, it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section (preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your paper according to question.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standards guidelines of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
• Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
• Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
• Depth of discussion: Present and integrate points that lead to deeper issues.
• Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues and factors considered.
• Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics and references.
• Logic: Presented discussion makes sense, conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
• Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples.
• Objectivity: Avoid use of first person and subjective bias.
Terrorism and Domestic Terrorism Definitions and Theory
Background:
One domestic terrorist organization, the Weathermen, operated in the 1960s and 1970s. They were an outgrowth of the U.S. anti-Vietnam War movement and the core leadership group within that movement the Students for a Democratic Society. I have provided you significant background on terrorism, domestic groups, theory, terrorist levels and terrorist group differences. In the case of the United States, groups from all sides of the spectrum have emerged and disappeared. In this case, the Weathermen have dissolved but many of its leaders hold positions of prestige and trust throughout the United States. This aspect of the group makes its study unique to issues within domestic terrorism. And, a pertinent place to begin the SLP. Note that I have provided no specific background reference to this group. If you research and are fatally unable to find any information contact the professor for assistance.
Weathermen
Objective: This assignment requires the student to read and understand some of the indigenous U.S. groups involved in domestic terrorism.
This understanding leads the student to knowledge of the unique capabilities of these groups; comprehension of the structure to support their operations; and the ramifications of their activities successful or not. In this case the Weathermen transcend their operational period into positions of importance today.
Session Long Project
After reading the materials the students are tasked to answer the following questions about the Weathermen in a maximum of three pages:
1. What was the vision of this organization? What operations did they conduct? What was the overall effect of those operations conducted?
2. What was the strategic goal of this organization?
3. Were they or are they successful? Explain.
4. Do the standards, laws, surveillance, media, and overall view of the Weathermen apply equally to all domestic terrorist groups? Please explain your answer.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
1. Your ability to comprehend the historical (past, present and future) significance of the Weathermen in the overall U.S. Domestic Terrorism paradigm and the potential differences in response and acceptance for and from this group compared to others in the spectrum.
2. Some in-text references to modular background readings (APA formatting requested) and a reference page.
Assignment Expectations
Length: This SLP Assignment should be at least 2 to 3 pages not counting the title page and references.
References: At least two references should be included from academic sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources, it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section (preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your paper according to question.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
• Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
• Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
• Depth of discussion: Present and integrate points that lead to deeper issues.
• Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues and factors considered.
• Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics and references.
• Logic: Presented discussion makes sense, conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
• Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples.
• Objectivity: Avoid use of first person and subjective bias.
Required Reading
CadiganJ.,& Schmitt P. M. (2010). Strategic entry deterrence and terrorism: Theory and experimental evidence. Public Choice, 143: 3-22. Available from the Trident Online Library. Read the first 4 pages only.
Kaplan, J. (2008). Terrorism fifth wave: A theory, a conundrum, and a dilemma. Perspectives on Terrorism, 2(2),
Marighella, C. (1969). Mini-manual of the urban guerrilla.
Militant extremists in the United States (2016).Homeland Security Digital Library.
Miller, E. and Smarick, K. (2012).Profiles of perpetrators of terrorism in the United States. START Terrorism Database.
Trista (n. d.). The Weathermen launched a terror campaign in the 1960s and 1970s.
Optional Reading
Marques, P. D. (2003).Guerilla warfare tactics in urban environments. U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
Perspectives on Terrorism Journal.(2017). Journal of the Terrorism Research Initiative and the Center for Terrorism and Security Studies.
Coats, D. R. (2018).Worldwide Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community.