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Abstracts:
James Griffith
CATEGORIES OF "CRIMINAL" AND "ENEMY" IN
THE SYSTEM OF GLOBAL TERRORISM
Summary
After giving an analysis of the theoretical background of the US
National Security Strategy and of the framework for fighting against
terror ism, the author decides that global terrorism cannot be
classified under the categories of "criminal" and "enemy" (Kant and
Schmidt), which is very much analogous to the difference between the
common, classic and modern meanings of this phenomenon. In the
second part of the paper the author offers a critical overview of
the works of Ignatieff, Gray and Butler, as three crucial
philosophical contributors to the interpretation of meaning and
effect of September 11th. This overview aims to indicate the
necessity of finding a new category as the guiding principle for a
different concept of US foreign policy, which would avoid partiality
and contradictions that are typical features of the current "war
against terrorism".
Key
words: global terrorism, criminal, enemy, National Security
Strategy, Al Qaeda.
Kim
Lane Scheppele
LAW
IS THE WAY THE STATE ADDRESSES ITSELF
Summary
Giving a survey of the principal philosophical and legal theories of
state of emergency, the author insists on the importance of making
an empirical concept of state of emergency, instead of a purely
normative one, since it would address the needs of modern societies
in a more appropriate way. Normative theories can be found in the
works of Schmidt, Kelsen or Agamben and somewhat different in the
works of human rights proponents. Through a criticism of these
analyses the author points to the importance of the daily operative
functions of law and to the fact that after September 11th, after an
international state of emergency, national focusing has become
inadequate for the implementation of emergency measures.
Key
words: emergency measures, state of emergency, emergencies,
empirical criticism, public laws, international state of emergency,
security
Aleksandar Pavković
TERRORISM AS AN INSTRUMENT OF LIBERATION
Summary
Global terrorism is a classic example of the ideology of violent
liberation. From the points of view of philosophy and ethics, the
author first analyzes the attempt to justify terrorism in the
context of its ideology and comments about objections made to
terrorism from the point of view of universal humanism. In order to
clarify the main disagreements in ethical principles and values of
the two points of view, the author points to the similarity between
Fanon's concept of ideology of liberation and aims and justification
for Osama bin Laden's terrorism. The conceptual framework based on
the relationship oppressor versus the oppressed functions by analogy
in both cases, and they are based on the belief about moral
superiority of the oppressed group. At the same time, ideologies of
liberation are based on two different patterns of normative
justification for terrorism viewed as the right to seek collective
revenge and as justification based on the relationship between the
aim and means.
In
the second part of the paper the author analyzes Kant's view of
universal humanism and crucial difference between this standing and
the selective approach of the ideology of liberation towards the
value of human life. The author points to the fact that the
limitation of the humanism of liberation is in a call for political
and therefore contingent criteria, whereas universal humanism is a
primarily ethical and unbiased concept. The fact that the
applicability of this concept in specific circumstances is
challenged consequently points to the possibility and necessity of
developing the standing of universal humanism, but also points to
its limitations.
Key
words: ideologies of liberation, universal humanism, oppressors, the
oppressed, system of oppression, moral virtue, justification for
terrorism, aim, means, violence.
Predrag Čičovački
STATE TERRORISM AS GREATEST THREAT TO MANKIND
Summary
By
opposing the widespread view that modern terrorism is a typical form
of violent non-state activities, the author uses historical and
conceptual analyses to show that state terrorism poses greatest
danger with farthest reaching effects. Terrorism is intrinsically
intertwined with the exercising of power by contemporary states and
its aim is to destroy, injure and intimidate civilians. Examples of
violent interference with internal matters of other countries in the
second half of the 20th century is primarily associated with
aggressive policies of the USA and USSR. After investigating
numerous examples of contemporary forms of state terrorism in the
last two decades, we can establish the common features of this
threat epitomized in violating international law and implementing
double standards. State terrorism directly jeopardizes the
development of democracy and enjoying sovereignty. The author
concludes that withering away of the state is not yet imminent in
spite of the globalization process and that it is necessary to find
ways of handling current and future acts of power abuse that can
lead to state terrorism.
Key
words: state terrorism, power, force, USA, Soviet Union, democracy,
international law.
Ivan Šijaković
TERRORISM AND ISSUE OF IDENTITY
Summary
In
this article the author inquires whether we entered an era of
terrorism. Terrorism is a modern society phenomenon which became
prominent particularly in the second half of the 20th century. There
is a real danger that the intensity of this phenomenon, expressed by
the number of terrorist groups, their means, aims and ways of
operations will increase in the 21st century. Terrorism jeopardizes
the most important achievements of modern times - democracy, freedom
and human rights. There are various causes and reasons for the
appearance of terrorist organizations and their cruel actions. This
text provides a sociological analysis of the issue of identity as a
possible cause for the emergence of various terrorist groups and
organizations and their operations. To achieve this goal the author
proposes the process of identity formation and values acquisition.
Search for identity and its defense cause various problems and
difficulties within individuals and groups. It is a unilateral,
distorted, "fateful" and "lifesaving" identity for I whose defense
everything is sacrificed, even one's own life. Most often it comes
down to sacrificing other people's lives, but one's own life is also
put at stake. Therefore, terrorism is taken to be the sole means of
its defense.
Key
words: terrorism, identity, ethnic group, nation, religion,
ideology, freedom, tolerance.
Ljubiša Mitrović
INTELLECTUALS, STRUCTURAL INEQUALITIES AND TERRORISM IN MODERN WORLD
Summary
This paper investigates the relationship between structural
inequalities, social and regional discrepancies and terrorism in the
modern world. The author analyses different forms of terrorism -
both fundamentalist and state sponsored terrorism, focusing
particularly on the phenomenon of symbolic terrorism and the role of
global media in its promotion and expansion. In this context, there
is a special analysis of the position and role of intellectuals in
modern society, emphasizing how critical thought subsides in mass
consumer society, globalization and the expansion of cultural
neo-imperial-ism. By criticizing the marginalized role of
intellectuals today and by arguing that there is no culture without
intellectuals the author opposes the justification of experts and
specialists. The analysis given in this paper finishes with a plea
for the restoration of the intellectual's role as a critic of modern
society.
Key
words: intellectual, mass media, structural inequalities, symbolic
power, terrorism.
Miroljub Jevtić
POLITICAL CORECTNESS AS A CAUSE OF FAILURE IN FIGHTING AGAINST
TERRORISM
Summary
This paper analyses the reasons for losing the war against terrorism
led by the USA and NATO. The concept of political correctness was
analyzed as one of the main reasons for losing this war. This paper
is an effort to prove that political correctness, as an obstacle for
an objective analysis, has led to concealing the actual reasons for
terrorism and to the present war. The author concludes that the
fight against terrorism is impossible without returning to true
freedom of thought, which has disappeared due to political
conectness.
Key
words: terrorism, political correctness, islam, neoliberalism.
Dragan D. Lakićević
RECEPTION OF ISLAMIC RADICALISM
Summary
This paper gives an analysis of a typical reception of the
philosophy of Islamic radicalism in the West. The first part of the
paper explores modern versions of these radical teachings and their
connection with Islamic tradition and modern western political
teachings. In the second part of the paper the author shows the
extent to which Islamic political radicalism is a result of the
logic of the situation and the decades-long crisis in the Near East.
In that context we can conclude that radical Islamic teachings
emerged primarily as a reaction to imperialistic politics of the
West, instead of being a result of frustration at the disintegration
of the former Caliphate.
Key
words: political radicalism, domination, globalization, Islamic
teachings, totalitarianism.
Slobodan Durmanović
ISLAMIC RADICALISM AND TERRORIST THREAT IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
Summary
The
author investigates the phenomenon of radical Islamism in
Bosnia-Herzegovina in the context of contemporary definitions of
Islamism. Starting with The Islamic Declaration by Alija
Izetbegović, the author analyzes primarily theoretical assumptions
and goes on to pre-war and war practice that led to the idea of an
Islamic Bosnian state and encouraged growth of Muslim fundamentalism
in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Revivalism tendencies, which emphasize the
necessity of returning to the original path of Islam and building an
Islamic identity of Bosnian Muslims started to flourish after the
war. Specific examples are numerous influential organizations such
as the Vizier, Furkhan, AIO and others, which state that their
particular aim is to make Bosnia-Herzegovina a Shariah and Islamic
values oriented state. These "charities" focus on religious
education of youth and enjoys strong support among poverty-stricken
Muslim population, and sometimes even among higher social strata.
The author argues that the situation has become more radical since
September 11th and anti-terrorist investigations led in USA along
with the increased number of reports on war, financial and
ideological connections of "holy warriors" and representatives of
Islamic "charities" in Bosnia-Herzegovina with Panislamistic
organizations throughout the world. An additional problem is the
fact that the Islamic Community of Bosnia-Herzegovina does not
condemn Wahabism, which was formally revealed in the Addenda of the
Riyaset of the Islamic Community. Being able to act without
impediments, Wahabism, which represents an ideological platform for
terrorism, has a constant increase in the number of followers and is
more likely to take its cue from organizations such as Hamas. The
problem of the growing terrorist threat in Bosnia-Herzegovina is
further exacerbated by inspiring the sense of frustration and the
assertion that Bosnian Muslims were subject to genocide in the
Bosnian war. There are no significant differences among radical and
moderate Bosnian Islamists on that issue and prospects for breaking
up with radicalism are small. The author concludes that the process
of suppressing Islamic fundamentalism is a necessary prerequisite
for making a stable multireli-gious society in Bosnia-Herzegovina,
important for the stability of the entire region, as well as for the
safety of the EU.
Key
words: Bosnia-Herzegovina, terrorism, Islam, Islamic Declaration,
radicalism, revivalism, Wahabism.
Zoran Ćirjaković
ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISM: THE KEY OF BOSNIA'S FUTURE
Summary
In
this text the author analyzes the phenomenon of Islamic revival in
Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last two decades and focuses on the
pragmatic collaboration between the Wahhabi, Salafi and other
extremist groups. This phenomenon, which characterizes most of the
Islam countries, is also noticeable in Bosnia-Herzegovina and is the
backbone of Islamic fundamentalism. Practical effects of the idea
that Islam is more than just religion have gathered momentum in
Bosnia-Herzegovina due to activities of various organizations, and
the ultimate aim of this project is to create an Islamic state. The
author distinguishes between the positive Islamic fundamentalism and
militant fundamentalism and speaks in favor of the former, which can
help Bosnia to survive as a homeland of three religions.
Key
words: Islamic state, Wahhabi, positive fundamentalism, militant
fundamentalism.
Mile Pavlovski
IS
NUCLEAR TERRORISM POSSIBLE?
Summary
At
the beginning of the 21st century world encountered an (un)expected
wave of terrorism, which has started to acquire new forms and
contents. Not only do we deal with modern technologies of attack,
but above all, with massiveness and exclusivity of aims. Modern
terrorists find nuclear industry a very attractive field for
possible actions. Although the tragedy of Chernobyl still lingers in
people's minds due to delayed effects, a new expansion of nuclear
power industry is taking place. Despite the fact that the technology
of nuclear energy production has improved since then, many security
issues have not yet been solved. The possibility that terrorists
might undertake certain nuclear activities harbors numerous dangers,
such as willful causing of nuclear accidents, attacking nuclear
plants and storage facilities for radioactive waste, stealing
fission material or obtaining nuclear weapons. These potential
dangers force international community to devote much attention to
the improvement of systems for collective nuclear security. It
requires special measures of collaboration between countries which
possess nuclear weapons and nuclear plants.
Key
words: nuclear terrorism, conflict relations, nuclear plants,
international community.
Jean Baudrillard
SPIRIT OF TERRORISM
Summary
The
"Strike of Events" is over. The phenomenon of terrorism and what
happened on September 11th represent a symbolic downfall of the
system, which thus revives the symbolic dimension, which is the
basis for actual resistance and fighting against it. According to
the author, terrorism is a product of the system, a picture of
mondialization that fights with itself, but also an act of
singularity which goes beyond the system of exchange. It is not a
clash of civilizations or religions, but a fundamental antagonism of
globalization. Only symbolic violence generates singularity.
Key
words: event, terrorism, symbolic, system, others, antagonism,
death, logic of sacrifice.
Alan Badiou
ON
SEPTEMBER 11 2001: PHILOSOPHY AND THE "WAR AGAINST TERRORISM"
Summary
This paper investigates diachronic and semantic changes of the
meaning of "terrorism", which ranges from the ways of exercising
state power to non-state violent activities, focusing on the
intensity of the self-explicitness of the term used in propaganda.
By using an analogy of methods, both historically and formally, the
author views the issue of constructing the "victim" identity of
modern "democracies" that lead the "war" against terrorism. USA has
become a hegemonic power in and through this war. It implements
double-standard policy agains Islamic fundamentalism. The author
concludes that in case of the phenomena of "terrorism" and "war
against terrorism" there is a disjunctive synthesis of two kinds of
nihilism based on absolutism.
Key
words: philosophy, war, terror, democracy, USA, nihilism, synthesis,
disjunction.
Michael Walzer
POLITICAL CODE*
Summary
In
this article the author analyzes the difference between the
political code of erstwhile revolutionaries, who were also labeled
as terrorists, and the forms of modern terrorism. The author states
that, unlike old revolutionaries, modern terrorism is characterized
by mere destructiveness and absence of a positive social vision. In
the second part of the paper the author analyzes arguments given by
apologists of terrorism and proves the impossibility of applying
those arguments as wee as their inconsistency.
Key
words: terrorism, political code, violence, revolution.
*
From Michael Walzer, Just and Unjust Wars, Ch 12, "Terrorism", pp.
197-206.
Michael Ignatieff
THE
LESSER EVIL: POLITICAL ETHICS IN AN AGE OF
TERROR
Summary
The
war against terrorism is analyzed within the context of the issue of
freedom and political and moral identities of liberal-democratic
societies. When compared to a nihilist challenge, what terrorism
actually represents, respecting public order, obeying laws and
constitutions is of crucial importance. The author distinguishes
between three kinds of terrorism and points to the fact that acts of
terrorism are immensely complex in terms of intensions and
consequences. Close attention should be devoted to depoliticizing
and demobilizing citizens that is present in the fight against
terrorism. The era of terrorism forces one to opt for the "lesser
evil" and to introduce controls into a free market of technologies
and ideas, which is the key challenge for democracy. Ethics is
important in this case for defining the identity of society and
determining the type of terrorism one is dealing with.
Key
words: freedom, political identity, ethics, law, state, democracy,
global spectacle terrorism.
Paul Gilbert
OLD AND NEW WARS
Summary
The
author uses the Falklands Conflict and the war against terrorism to
develop the paradigms of old and new wars. After ascertaining the
differences between the circumstances and ways of waging a war, the
author argues that we are dealing with a marked contrast between the
identity and role policies. Identity policy has become predominant
in dealing with conflicts and is crucial for gaining support for the
"war against terrorism". In the author's opinion, this strategy is
counterproductive and it makes terrorism a rule, rather than an
exception.
Key
words: old wars, new wars, terrorism, role policy, identity policy.
Dimitri Simes
JIHAD AS AN UNINTENDED PRODUCT OF US POLITICS
Summary
The
author analyzes US policy towards the Islamic world, starting with
Reagan and finishing with the current Bush administration. The
phenomenon of terrorism is viewed through a criticism of US foreign
policy with a special emphasis on the questionable results of the
Clinton administration. In that way terrorism and the war against it
are brought into a disapproving relationship not only with the wars
in Afghanistan and Iraq, but also with the wars in Bosnia-Herzegovina
and Kosovo during the 90's.
Key
words: US foreign policy, USA and Russia, terrorism, American
priorities.
Bogdana Koljević
TERRORISM, PRAGMATISM AND ABSOLUTISM
Summary
Starting with a contextualized consideration of the phenomenon of
global terrorism within different discourses of modern political
philosophy, the author focuses on the changes of concepts of the
political, war and democracy. It is emphasized that the most
successful political analyses of the relationship between terrorism
and democracy are actually not to be found in the framework of the
so-called postmodernist and critical disputes, but rather in the
opinions that point to the state of total war as the leading
principle of society. Looking back on Richard Bernstein's work, the
author questions the idea about the difference of absolutism and
pragmatic fallabil-ism, which questions Huntington's thesis on the
clash of civilizations and involves the conflict between mentalities.
Bernstein's critical hypothesis about absolutist mentality as the
predominant form of US policy in the last decades instructively
associates the importance of the interdependence of freedom and
responsibility which is present in the opposing perspective, i.e.
fallabilism. The author concludes that the thesis about self-certainty
as a prerequisite for war and openness as a prerequisite for radical
democratic practice is well-argumented and significant, but that it
is also necessary for the democracy discourse to reflect its own
assumptions in the light of self-criticism.
Key
words: terrorism, pragmatism, absolutism, conflict of mentalities,
political, war, fallabilism, radical democratic practice.
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