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Analysis Of David Rapoport 's Theory Of The Waves Of Terrorism

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What is the significance of 9/11?

This essay will argue that the events of 9/11 and the Bush led war on terror that followed, are extremely significant as they have created a new pattern for the understanding of world politics. Within this new pattern, the twenty-first century has experienced a divide between western powers and their allies, and some Middle-Eastern states. The events of 9/11 directly threatened the U.S. supremacy, marking the first significant terrorist attack on U.S. soil. As well as this, it became evident that there are new tactics available for individuals wanting to threaten the superpower. In enhancing the understanding of these new tactics, David Rapoport’s theory of the ‘Waves of Terrorism’ will be explored. While …show more content…

Bush’s pragmatic response in announcing a military response rather than one of law enforcement and diplomacy, caused mass controversy following the declaration, and for years after due to the long-standing instability of the region pre and post U.S. interference. However, while the initial invasion of Afghanistan was deemed a preventative war, the ongoing nature of the conflict has increased the public opposition to the U.S. involvement in the region. This U.S. led conflict has directly re-shaped the way nations act within the international system. This is due to the global condemnation of this ‘new’ threat and the influential power that the hegemony continues to project. Additionally, the U.S. failed to accurately comply with international law in its invasion of Afghanistan, with their use of force. While under international law it is authorised for states to use military force as a measure of self-defence, there are a range of other factors that must be considered in addition to this. Both Articles 2 and 51 of the United Nations Charter directly outline the restrictions of the use of force on another nation (Charter of the United Nations, 1945). However, Article 51 states that it permits nations to act with force against an armed attack, in the case of self-defence (Eric Heize, 2011). Therefore, Article 51 suggests that force may be permitted as purely a

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