Brian Michael Jenkins

This paper looks at the history of kidnapping over the past 45 years to examine whether the U.S. policy of not paying ransom to terrorists holding Americans hostage is an effective deterrent. Earlier research found little empirical evidence to support the assertion. More-recent research also casts doubt on the deterrence value, although one study says that U.S. ransom payments would have prompted more kidnappings.

Does the U.S. No-Concessions Policy Deter Kidnappings of Americans?

"Brian Michael Jenkins goes beyond what the experts know about terrorists' efforts to acquire nuclear weapons, nuclear black markets, "suitcase bombs," and mysterious substances like red mercury to examine how terrorists themselves think about such weapons." "Jenkins notes that terrorists have become increasingly adept at creating an atmosphere of nuclear terror. In fact, al Qaeda may have succeeded in becoming the world's first terrorist nuclear power without possessing a single nuclear weapon. The psychological effects of nuclear terror are fueled by American culture, which churns out novels and movies in which every conceivable horror scenario is played out. Political factions on both the right and the left also view nuclear terrorism as fodder to support their own arguments. In such an atmosphere, it is difficult for the average citizen to separate real from imagined dangers."--BOOK JACKET.

Will Terrorists Go Nuclear?

Rand Corporation

The President, I believe, did the right thing in ordering American fighters to force down the Egyptian airliner and deliver the four hijackers of the Achille Lauro--the murderers of an American citizen--to justice. It was an opportunity that we could not afford to miss. The handling of the aftermath, however, has been terrible. We humiliated a friend. We bashed an ally. We snatched diplomatic disaster from the jaws of rare victory against terrorists. And despite current efforts to repair the damage, we remain pugnacious in mood, mistaken in the belief that by applying bold military force and bullying reluctant governemnts to action, we can defeat terrorism.

The Aftermath of the Achille Lauro

Michele Zanini

Bruce Hoffman

John Arquilla

United States

David Ronfeldt

Ian O. Lesser

Bruce (Director of RAND Hoffman, Washington Office USA)

John (Associate Professor of Defence Analysis Arquilla, United States Naval Postgraduate School Monterey USA)

David F. (Social Scientist Ronfeldt, International Studies Group RAND USA)

Michele (Doctoral Student Zanini, RAND Graduate School of Policy Analysis USA)

Recent bombings of U.S. embassies in Africa remind us that U.S. citizens and U.S. interest are not immune to terrorism. Featuring the works of world-renowned experts, this book traces the recent evolution of international terrorism against civilian and U.S. military targets, looks ahead to where terrorism is going, and assesses how it might be contained.

Countering the New Terrorism

A lack of men, money, and guarantee of U.S. continued provision of funds to support South Vietnam's defense establishment at current levels makes it imperative for South Vietnam to reduce the economic and social burden of its defense, while maintaining adequate security. A program is suggested by which much of the Vietnamese defense burden could be shifted to a people's army composed of local militiamen and members of the People's Self-Defense Force, allowing reductions in the regular armed forces.

A Vietnamese Solution

A People's Army for South Vietnam

John Godges

Jenkins/Godges

In a series of essays, this book addresses the question of how America has responded in the ten years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks and suggests options for more effectively dealing with the terrorist threat in the future.

America's Response to Terrorism

The Long Shadow of 9/11

The author presents a clear-sighted and sobering analysis of where we are today in the struggle against terrorism. Jenkins, an internationally renowned authority on terrorism, distills the jihadists' operational code and outlines a pragmatic but principled approach to defeating the terrorist enterprise. We need to build upon our traditions of determination and self-reliance, he argues, and above all, preserve our commitment to American values.

Knowing Our Enemy, Strengthening Ourselves

Unconquerable Nation

This book provides a multifaceted array of answers to the question, In the ten years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, how has America responded? In a series of essays, RAND authors lend a farsighted perspective to the national dialogue on 9/11's legacy. The essays assess the military, political, fiscal, social, cultural, psychological, and even moral implications of U.S. policymaking since 9/11. Part One of the book addresses the lessons learned from America's accomplishments and mistakes in its responses to the 9/11 attacks and the ongoing terrorist threat. Part Two explores reactions to the extreme ideologies of the terrorists and to the fears they have generated. Part Three presents the dilemmas of asymmetrical warfare and suggests ways to resolve them. Part Four cautions against sacrificing a long-term strategy by imposing short-term solutions, particularly with respect to air passenger security and counterterrorism intelligence. Finally, Part Five looks at the effects of the terrorist attacks on the U.S. public health system, at the potential role of compensation policy for losses incurred by terrorism, and at the possible long-term effects of terrorism and counterterrorism on American values, laws, and society.--Publisher description.

Brian Michael Jenkins

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