Verified Document

Counterterrorism - Postmodernism Validity Of Essay

Both beliefs of the terrorists and counter-terrorists are validated by the critical theory. It can be said, then, that even in the 21st century, specific principles of the critical theory still holds true and are still reflected in the current political events and movements in the world. Even the school of thought that sprung after the modernist period, postmodernism, is considered valid when discussing the study and issue of counter-terrorism. Postmodernism does not look at the world as black and white or a dichotomy of oppressor and the oppressed. Instead, it posits that there exists different versions of the truth, and this ideology actually shies away from identifying a 'universal truth' that will determine all realities of the world. Postmodernism embraces the principle of pluralism because of its acceptance of different truths based on different groups of people and their lived experiences. Thus, in studying counter-terrorism using the postmodernist perspective, it could be that counter-terrorist planners would consider the ideology of another group that poses a potential threat to them. This understanding and acceptance that the other group's version of the truth or what they believe as right could then be used to elevate the strategy to actually consider that more than just perpetrators, the 'so-called terrorists'...

Parts of this document are hidden

View Full Document
svg-one

Counter-terrorism planning can then be developed to achieve a neutral stance or limit the counter-attack against specific individuals and groups only.
Under the postmodernist ideology, feminism is also a critical school of thought that is considered valid in studying counter-terrorism. Inevitably, women are caught in the middle of terrorist-counter-terrorist attacks and threats. With this in mind, the feminist school of thought posits that women must be recognized as just as important as men and that they are human beings that should not be considered "collateral damage" only in the event of a terrorist and/or counter-terrorist attack. Feminist theory also argues that women are capable of handling matters and responsibilities commonly given only to males. As such, from the terrorist perspective, there are also women taking up arms to protect their homeland or families, and also become a threat to a specific group or geographic area. Similarly, from the counter-terrorist perspective, planning and strategizing on how to implement a plan curbing a threat or attack with the least damage possible takes into account the importance of women's protection and security in the event that there is an impending counter-attack.

Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now