The Challenges of Conceptualizing Terrorism

This analysis begins by exploring various reasons that the concept of terrorism has evaded a widely agreed upon definition for so long despite the efforts of so many writers. Emphasis is placed on the difficulties associated with all “essentially contested concepts.” In addition, the investigation calls attention to such problems as conceptual “stretching” and “traveling.” In an effort to solve the difficulties, the inquiry attempts to determine a consensus definition of terrorism by turning to an empirical analysis of how the term has been employed by academics over the years. Specifically, the well-known definition developed by Alex Schmid, based upon responses to a questionnaire he circulated in 1985, is compared with the way the concept has been employed by contributors to the major journals in the field: Terrorism, Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, and Terrorism and Political Violence. The 22 “definitional elements” of which Schmid's definition is composed are compared to the frequency with which they appear in the professional journals. If these elements appear frequently in both the Schmid definition and those employed by the journal contributors, they are then used to form a consensus definition of the concept. The most striking feature of this academic consensus over the meaning of terrorism is the virtual absence of references to the psychological element, heretofore widely thought to be at the heart of the concept.     

The Many Faces of Mexico

This article will reexamine basic assumptions about the geopolitics and character of the United States-Mexico border, take a closer look at current events that have affected the drug war and, finally, discuss possible policy responses beyond those routinely voiced in the public domain.     

The Three Faces of Power

Power is not a matter of simple strength, but a complicated social relationship. The investigation of the current status and development of U.S. power must be put into a specific world political relationship. At present, the economic base of American power＇s first face （that of winning conflict） is fading slowly compared to that of the emerging powers. American power＇s second face （that of limiting alternatives） is currently facing challenges, and the Obama administration is attempting to stabilize or even expand power in this area. Finally, for a long period of time, The third face of power （that of shaping normality） will continue to be dominated by the U.S. and European countries.     

当代恐怖主义的宗教根源

上世纪70年代以来,随着意识形态影响的衰落,宗教原教旨主义(极端主义)在世界恐怖主义的影响越来越大.在过去几年中,宗教型恐怖事件造成的人员死亡数甚至超过50%.从宗教型恐怖主义的发展趋势来看,其将继续是世界恐怖主义的主要根源,并有不断恶化的趋势.     

现代恐怖主义的四次浪潮

自19世纪末以来,国际社会经历了四次恐怖主义浪潮:无政府主义、反殖民主义、意识形态冲突和宗教极端主义。在这四次浪潮中,虽然都穿插着民族主义的因素,但在不同时期,民族主义有不同的表现方式和特征。与前三次浪潮相比,宗教极端主义具有扁平化的组织结构、颠覆整体世界秩序的愿望,以及强烈的暴力和杀伤冲动。目前,恐怖主义正在向小型化、当地化、网络化的后基地组织时代发展     

当代金融恐怖主义透视

进入21世纪,全球性的恐怖主义正在危及人类社会的安全。放眼全球,既存在投毒、爆炸、绑架人质、暗杀、劫机这些传统恐怖行径,也涌现出网络黑客联盟、生物、化学等新型恐怖主义组织。实际上,这些开始显露头角的新恐怖组织,只是新一轮世界性恐怖活动掀起的几股黑潮,还有更大量的不为人们所知的浊流。同样汇入这一逆流的是一些居心叵测的美国国际金融投机家。他们衣冠楚楚、风度翩翩,似乎与世人所想象的恐怖分子形象相距甚远,但他们先后在英国、墨西哥、东南亚、巴西和阿根廷的所作所为,及其造成的灾难性后果,却令明火执杖的恐怖分子难以望其项…