The Terrorist Calculus behind 9-11: A Model for Future Terrorism?

The Media’s Coverage of Domestic Terrorism

“…She states: "There is no doubt that their deeds are planned and executed with the mass media and their effects on the masses and governmental decision makers in mind" (Nacos, 2003b, p. 29). Most scholars highlight this symbiotic relationship between the media and terrorists, assuming that terrorists attempt to capitalize on the power of the media, and media need dramatic and sensational events to increase ratings (Clutterbuck, 1982;Devine & Rafalko, 1982;Laqueur, 1977;Martin, 1985;Nacos, 2002Nacos, , 2003aNacos, , 2003bNelson & Scott, 1992;Picard, 1993;Schmid & de Graaf, 1982;Van Atta, 1998), but some scholars believe that the relationship between terrorists and the media is overstated due to the lack of systematic evidence of motivations for terrorism (see Dowling, 1989;Wieviorka, 1993).…”

“…For groups and individuals who think that their concerns are being ignored, terrorism becomes a persuasive vehicle of communication (Clutterbuck, 1982;Martin, 1985;Nacos, 2002) and a mechanism to gain access to the "Triangle of Political Communication" (Nacos, 2002, p. 4). Nacos' (2002, 2003a, 2003b large body of work in this area stresses how coverage brings status to a terrorist or terrorist group, and it is an opportunity to recruit members and disseminate their ideas. She states: "There is no doubt that their deeds are planned and executed with the mass media and their effects on the masses and governmental decision makers in mind" (Nacos, 2003b, p. 29).…”

“…Terrorist acts, such as bombings, kidnappings, assassinations, hijackings, arson, and nuclear threats, can satisfy multiple objectives for terrorists, including the realization of their cause, funding, strengthening morale, recruitment, revenge, liberation of comrades, spreading fear, and publicity (Altheide, 1991;Martin, 1985;Nacos, 2002Nacos, , 2003aNacos, , 2003b. For groups and individuals who think that their concerns are being ignored, terrorism becomes a persuasive vehicle of communication (Clutterbuck, 1982;Martin, 1985;Nacos, 2002) and a mechanism to gain access to the "Triangle of Political Communication" (Nacos, 2002, p. 4).…”

Forecasting Terrorism: The Need for a More Systematic Approach

“…36 Other authors focus on the potential threat of particular tactics, ranging from arson induced forest fires as a weapon of mass destruction, 37 to the threat of 9/11 becoming a model for future terrorism. 38 Three authors specifically focus on existing terrorism forecasts. These include reflections on the failure to predict 9/ 11, 39 their own previous predictions of terrorism as a professional, 40 and reflections on predictions made in the last twenty years.…”

Reality and newsworthiness: Press coverage of International Terrorism by China and the United States

“…Terrorist attacks often capture the attention of news media and audiences. Terrorists have learned to use such violent events and subsequent news coverage as one way of communicating their causes and contributing to policy changes (Nacos, 2003(Nacos, , 2007. Thus, terrorism has become an important topic in media scholarship.…”