PSYCHOLOGY OF TERRORISM

PSYCHOLOGY OF TERRORISM

Introduction

Terrorism has been a major security concern for the airline companies and air travelers for a long time as characterized by increasing instances of bombings and planes hijacking. Airport security is primarily implemented to curb terrorism, and the onset of the 9/11 attacks proved that there the security strategies were not adequate enough to address the issue of terrorism (Victoroff & Kruglanski, 2009). As a result of this incident, there was the need to heighten airport security in order effectively address the security loopholes that could serve as an opportunity to initiate terrorist attacks. This paper analyses the efforts that have been made to boost airport security.

The first line of defense in enhancing airport security is through the use of tall fences, barriers and walls that surround the entire airport. This is enhanced by security patrols and surveillance cameras that are constantly scanning the entire airport and entry points in order to avoid instances of attacks from the ground. This eliminates ground attacks but cannot prevent airborne attacks and other forms of attacks that are launched from a distance. In addition, the surveillance cameras can be destroyed by potential attackers and the patrol personnel are vulnerable to attacks by those intending to launch attacks on the airport. In order to eliminate potential airborne attacks and other ground attacks that can be launched from a distance, airports should implement both ground and air surveillance (Victoroff & Kruglanski, 2009).

The second security strategy at the airport involves a confirmation of the identity of the air travelers. Identity verification is done using biometrics that entail retinal scans, fingerprints checking and confirmation of the facial patterns by use of computer systems in order make certain that a person is who he claims to be. Luggage scanning is also an important security strategy deployed at the airport in order to determine if there are any hazardous luggages that will be transferred on board. From the tools perspective, instances of terrorism usually take place because it is viewed as a useful means to an end, implying that it is difficult to identify terrorists from non-terrorists. The main objective of this is to eliminate potential attacks on the airport or the aircraft, eliminate accidents because of transporting materials that may be hazardous and ensure that there is overall security and safety of the passengers. This eliminates security threats at the aircraft but does not serve to eliminate any potential threats that may be inflicted before the process of identity verification such as in the passenger lobby (Victoroff & Kruglanski, 2009). In order to completely address this issue, identity verification should be implemented on all entry points of the airport in such a manner that every person has to be screened and his/her identity confirmed before gaining entry to the airport.

Another strategy that is implemented in order to enhance aircraft security and safety of the passengers is the use of air Marshals, who are mostly undercover federal agents that serve to deal with situations of terrorist attacks on board. The assignment of the air marshals is done in secrecy in such a manner that an ordinary passenger cannot differentiate an ordinary passenger from the rest; this is done in order to ensure the effectiveness of the operation. The implementation of this strategy is a significant limitation to the tools perspective because the bad guys cannot be separated from the good guys, and similarly, air marshals and terrorists in an aircraft cannot be identified separately. This in itself is a security loophole that prevents vulnerability for a potential attacker. This strategy prevents onboard attacks but does not help in eliminating other security threats that may be initiated outside the craft such as collisions and hijackings because of external threats by the terrorists. In order to address this issue completely, there should be stringent air policing that extended beyond the airplane only (Victoroff & Kruglanski, 2009).

REFERENCES

Stout, C. (2004). Psychology of terrorism: coping with the continued threat. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Victoroff, J. I., & Kruglanski, A. W. (2009). Psychology of Terrorism Key Readings: Classic and Contemporary Insights. New York: Psychology Press.