Shattered freedom : fighting terrorism through military force

Abstract

This thesis is an attempt to assess the effectiveness and consequences of armed force when fighting non-state terrorism. International terror networks have been put at the forefront of many security agendas, and regular armies now face enemies that do not operate along the conventional modus operandi of a traditional symmetrical armed force. This means armed forces will have to adapt to face future tasks and challenges as their politicians in charge send them on new missions. This study is largely based on a collection of studies of terrorism and military anti-terrorist scenarios, with the intent of evaluating the net results of military action through an effect based operations lens alongside the terrorists' own agenda. Source material include, but is not limited to, academic papers, research reports, military journals as well as relevant books and second hand media sources. It concludes that effect based approach theory has not been embraced to a sufficient degree, causing the presently exercised military force to exacerbate rather than reduce the problem of terrorism.