What is meant by “terrorism”? What is the Preemption Doctrine and how is this doctrine meant to be effective in preventing terrorism?

What is meant by “terrorism”? What is the Preemption Doctrine and how is this doctrine meant to be effective in preventing terrorism?

Terrorism is an idea that is difficult to pin down and this is because it comes down to subjective ideas on what is right and wrong, just and unjust in a global, militaristic world. Terrorism, through American law is defined as politically motivated violence against noncombatant targets by subnational groups. This means that any non-state actors engaged in violent acts against civilians or the unarmed is considered terrorism. The United Staets’ current engagements in the MiddleEast have been dealing with the blurred lines between non-state actions, as loyalties, funding, and arms move around quite a bit.

The preemption doctrine was the creation of the Bush administration following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City. The doctrine is meant to utilize preemptive force and action to forestall any potential terrorist actions. This is meant to occur through strategic military action on the part of the United States, based on intelligence gathering, and cutting off terrorist cells before they have a chance to act against the United States through acts of violence. It is a way to defend the United States against terrorism before it occurs, and many have criticized it for creating more terrorism in the regions it operates.