1. According to Noam Chomsky, what are the two major threats for humanity today?

Please
briefly explain his thoughts about these two threats.

R:// Noam Chomsky, a renowned linguist, philosopher, and political activist, has discussed
several major threats to humanity. While his views may evolve over time, as of my knowledge
cutoff in September 2021, Chomsky has highlighted two significant threats: nuclear war and
climate change.

 Nuclear War: Chomsky has long expressed deep concerns about the potential
catastrophic consequences of nuclear war. He argues that the existence and
proliferation of nuclear weapons pose a grave threat to humanity's survival. He
criticizes the reliance on nuclear weapons as a means of maintaining global power and
emphasizes the urgency of disarmament efforts. Chomsky points out that a single
miscalculation or accident could lead to unimaginable devastation, and he advocates
for nuclear disarmament as a crucial step towards ensuring global security and
preventing a catastrophic event.
 Climate Change: Chomsky also considers climate change as a severe threat facing
humanity. He asserts that human-induced global warming and environmental
degradation pose significant risks to the planet's ecosystems, as well as the well-being
and survival of human populations. Chomsky criticizes the inadequate response and
denialism from political and corporate powers, arguing that immediate action is
necessary to mitigate the effects of climate change. He emphasizes the need for
transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing sustainable practices, and
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Chomsky views climate change as a global crisis
that requires international cooperation and a radical shift in priorities to prevent
irreversible damage to the planet and its inhabitants.
 It is important to note that Chomsky's views on these topics might have developed or
expanded since my last update. For the most accurate and up-to-date understanding
of his thoughts, I recommend referring to his recent works, interviews, or public
statements.

2. What is terrorism and why is it important to study it when understanding IIRR?

R:// Terrorism can be broadly defined as the use of violence, intimidation, or the threat of violence
by non-state actors to instill fear, coerce governments or societies, and achieve political,
ideological, or religious objectives. It is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has varying
definitions and interpretations.

Studying terrorism is important when understanding the International Relations and International
Relations Theory (IIRR) for several reasons:

 Security Concerns: Terrorism poses significant security challenges for nations and the
international community. Understanding its motivations, tactics, and strategies can help
policymakers develop effective counterterrorism measures and enhance national security.
 Political Dynamics: Terrorism often emerges within specific political contexts, driven by
grievances, power struggles, or ideological conflicts. By studying terrorism, analysts can
 gain insights into the political dynamics and underlying causes that give rise to violent
movements, helping to address the root causes and prevent future conflicts.
 Global Interconnectedness: Terrorism operates within a globalized world, transcending
borders and exploiting international networks. A comprehensive understanding of
terrorism is essential to grasp its transnational dimensions, including the flow of funds,
recruitment strategies, ideological dissemination, and the interconnectedness of extremist
groups.
 Policy Formulation: Studying terrorism informs the development of effective policies and
strategies to combat violent extremism. It enables governments to assess the effectiveness
of different counterterrorism approaches, evaluate the impact of interventions, and design
preventive measures that address the complex socio-political factors contributing to
radicalization.
 Humanitarian Implications: Terrorism often inflicts significant harm on civilian populations,
causing loss of life, displacement, and psychological trauma. By studying terrorism,
scholars and policymakers can better understand the humanitarian consequences and
work towards minimizing harm to innocent individuals.
 In the context of International Relations Theory, terrorism challenges traditional state-
centric approaches and raises questions about the nature of power, security, and conflict
resolution. Analyzing terrorism through theoretical frameworks allows for a deeper
exploration of its implications on state behavior, international cooperation, and the
balance between security and individual rights.
 Overall, studying terrorism is crucial for understanding the complexities of contemporary
global politics, addressing security threats, formulating effective policies, and promoting
peace and stability in the international system.

3. Is terrorism used as a tool by non-state and state actors? Explain.

R://

Yes, terrorism is used as a tool by both non-state and state actors, although the motivations, goals,
and methods may vary.

 Non-State Actors: Non-state actors, such as terrorist organizations or insurgent groups,

often employ terrorism as a means to achieve their political, ideological, or religious
objectives. They may lack conventional military capabilities or face significant power
disparities compared to state actors. By resorting to acts of terror, these groups seek to
undermine the existing political order, provoke fear, and generate attention and support
for their cause. They often target civilian populations or symbolic targets to maximize the
impact and visibility of their actions.
 State Actors: While state actors are typically associated with providing security and
stability, there have been instances where states have utilized terrorism as a tool to
advance their interests. State-sponsored terrorism occurs when governments support,
fund, or provide safe havens for terrorist organizations to carry out attacks against other
states or groups. State actors may resort to terrorism to achieve geopolitical objectives,
exert influence, or destabilize their adversaries. This can involve direct involvement in
terrorist activities or covert support to non-state actors engaged in terrorist activities.
 It is important to note that state-sponsored terrorism is considered a violation of
international norms and laws, and it is widely condemned by the international community.
State actors engaging in such practices often face diplomatic isolation, sanctions, or other
forms of international condemnation.
 Furthermore, it is worth highlighting that the majority of terrorist attacks are perpetrated
by non-state actors rather than states. However, the involvement of state actors in
supporting or sponsoring terrorism can have significant implications for international
relations, security dynamics, and counterterrorism efforts.

4. How is the global spread of commercial air travel experienced during the late 60s related
to terrorism? Explain.

R:// The global spread of commercial air travel during the late 1960s is related to terrorism in
several ways. While it is important to note that air travel itself is not inherently linked to
terrorism, the expansion of commercial aviation during that period created new opportunities
and vulnerabilities that terrorist groups exploited. Here are a few key points of connection:

 Increased Accessibility: The expansion of commercial air travel made it easier for
individuals to travel across borders and access distant locations. This accessibility
provided terrorists with greater mobility and the ability to carry out attacks in different
countries, often targeting international flights or airports. The widespread availability
of air travel broadened the scope and reach of terrorist activities.
 Symbolic Targets: Airports and airplanes became attractive targets for terrorist groups
due to their symbolic significance. Airports serve as gateways connecting different
nations and are often seen as symbols of international connectivity. Attacking airports
and aircraft can generate significant media attention, disrupt transportation systems,
and instill fear among the general population, furthering the terrorists' objectives.
 Hostage-Taking and Hijackings: During the late 1960s and into the 1970s, there was a
notable increase in hijackings and hostage-taking incidents involving commercial
airplanes. Terrorist groups, such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine
(PFLP) and the Red Army Faction (RAF), hijacked planes to draw attention to their
causes, demand the release of imprisoned comrades, or secure ransom payments.
These incidents received extensive media coverage and highlighted the vulnerabilities
and security challenges associated with air travel.
 Global Impact and Security Response: The global nature of air travel meant that acts of
terrorism targeting airlines had far-reaching consequences. Hijackings and attacks on
airplanes disrupted international travel, undermined public confidence in aviation
security, and forced governments to develop stricter security measures, including
passenger screenings and the establishment of specialized counterterrorism units. The
rise of aviation-related terrorism prompted an international response to enhance
cooperation and develop protocols to address the evolving threat.
 The global spread of commercial air travel in the late 1960s created a new dimension
for terrorist activities, providing terrorists with increased mobility, symbolic targets,
and opportunities for hijackings and hostage-taking. The subsequent impact on
 aviation security and the measures taken to address these threats have had long-
lasting effects on air travel and counterterrorism practices.
5. How are the Internet and new information and communication technologies related to
terrorism? Explain.

R:// The Internet and new information and communication technologies have had a significant
impact on terrorism, both in terms of its operations and its ideological dissemination. Here are
some key aspects of their relationship:

 Communication and Coordination: The Internet enables terrorist organizations and

individuals to communicate, coordinate, and plan their activities with greater ease and
efficiency. Online platforms, encrypted messaging services, and social media networks
provide channels for secure communication and recruitment, making it easier for
terrorists to connect and collaborate across borders. This has facilitated the
dissemination of propaganda, recruitment efforts, fundraising, and operational
coordination.
 Radicalization and Recruitment: The Internet plays a crucial role in the radicalization
and recruitment of individuals into terrorist organizations. Online platforms provide an
environment where extremist ideologies can be easily propagated, and individuals
susceptible to radicalization can be targeted. Terrorist groups exploit social media,
forums, and online videos to spread their narratives, recruit sympathizers, and inspire
acts of violence. The Internet has accelerated the process of radicalization by providing
access to a wide range of extremist content and facilitating connections between like-
minded individuals.
 Propaganda and Psychological Warfare: The Internet serves as a powerful tool for
terrorist organizations to disseminate propaganda, shape narratives, and conduct
psychological warfare. They can use websites, social media accounts, and online videos
to promote their ideologies, justify their actions, and recruit supporters. The rapid
dissemination of content allows them to reach a global audience and amplify their
message, potentially radicalizing individuals and inciting acts of violence.
 Cyber Attacks: The Internet has also given rise to a new dimension of terrorism
through cyber attacks. Terrorist groups and individuals with technical expertise can
target critical infrastructure, government systems, financial networks, and other digital
platforms to cause disruption, steal information, or spread fear. Cyber attacks can have
significant economic and security implications, making it crucial for governments and
organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity measures.
 Counterterrorism Challenges: The Internet poses challenges for counterterrorism
efforts. The anonymous nature of online platforms and encrypted communications can
make it difficult for authorities to identify and track terrorist activities. The vastness of
online spaces and the speed at which content is shared make it challenging to monitor
and regulate extremist content effectively. Governments and tech companies face the
task of striking a balance between protecting freedom of speech, privacy, and
combating online terrorist activity.
  It is important to note that while the Internet and new information and
communication technologies have facilitated terrorist activities, they also offer
opportunities for counterterrorism efforts. Law enforcement agencies, intelligence
services, and tech companies continually work to develop strategies, algorithms, and
tools to detect and combat online terrorist content, disrupt recruitment networks, and
enhance cybersecurity measures.

6. Is the United Nations helping to fight terrorism? Remember the UN Global Counter-
Terrorism Strategy discussed in class and explain at least two of the four pillars.

R://

7. Please explain two of the policy instruments used by governments to fight terrorism.
Answer: Diplomacy – multilateralism, Cooperation with NGOs, Law enforcement, Financial
control, Military force.
8. What are Human Rights and why are they important for IIRR?
9. Are Human Rights privileges that can be granted to a given individual? Explain your answer.
10. What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and what does it represent?