Transnational terrorism involves unlawful violence by internationally linked groups across multiple countries. It poses a significant threat as groups like Al-Qaeda have global networks and ideologies. Countries and organizations like ASEAN and the UN have implemented measures to enhance cooperation against terrorism such as intelligence sharing. However, transnational terrorism remains a challenge to manage fully due to terrorists' ability to evade capture and recruit new members by spreading their ideologies online. Both governmental and societal efforts are needed to contain transnational terrorist threats.

1. 11. What is transnational terrorism?
In Sec 3 – we learnt about the IRA and the
LTTE
Terrorism is used by the IRA and LTTE to
strike fear in the people and weaken the
government
Today, a new form of terrorism known as
transnational terrorism threatens peace
and security

2. What is transnational terrorism?
 transnational terrorism involves the unlawful
use of force or indiscriminate violence by
internationally-linked groups against persons
and properties in many parts of the world.
 transnational terrorist groups usually have
an international membership and conduct
their activities in many countries

3. What is transnational terrorism?

4. Is terrorism a new phenomenon?
 Terrorism is not new
 There have been terrorist attacks in the
past
 They were carried out by state agents
or non-state organisations
• E.g. In 1987, a South Korean airline was
destroyed by a bomb planted by North
Korean agents.

5. Is terrorism a new phenomenon?
 Another e.g. US airliner destroyed over the
UK by Libyan agents in 1988.
 Non-state organisations which have carried
out terrorist activities in the past – LTTE, IRA,
Aum Shinrikyo
• In 1995, sarin gas attacks on the Tokyo train
system by Aum Shinrikyo – 12 people died and 54
seriously injured
• LTTE – killed former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi

6. Is terrorism a new phenomenon?
 Terrorist attacks in the past were small-
scale operations
 On 11 Sept 2001, 19 men hijacked 4
commercial airplanes and crashed
them into various locations in the USA
including the World Trade Centre –
3,000 people died.

7. 12 What was the significance of the
September 11 attacks?
 Attacks marked a turning point
in the history of terrorism
 Victims from more than 30
countries died
 Attacks showed – terrorist well-
trained and could co-ordinate
mass attacks
 Attacks showed they were
willing to target civilians & die
for their cause
Flights.exe

8. 12 What was the significance of the
September 11 attacks?
 Attacks caused two 110 storey-tallAttacks caused two 110 storey-tall
towers to collapse and the debristowers to collapse and the debris
covered New York City in dust forcovered New York City in dust for
months.months.
 Attacks had a hugeAttacks had a huge psychological andand
economic impact on the world.impact on the world.

9. 12.1 What is Al-Qaeda?
 Al-Qaeda, or The Base, is an organisation
created in 1989 by Osama bin Laden.
 Members grew out of a nerwork of Arab
volunteers who had gone to Afganisatan to
fight against the Soviet Union.
 Osama moved to terrorism when he fell out
with the Saudi ruling family.
 It rejected his offer in 1990 to lead an army of
militants to liberate occupied Kuwait.

10. 12.1 What is Al-Qaeda?
 The Saudi govt turned to the USA for help
 Osama was unhappy with the stationing of
US troops in Saudi soil
 He resorted to anti-state activities & he was
expelled him from Saudi Arabia.
 Osama then decided to carry out a campaign
against the Saudi govt.
 Al-Qaeda wants to rid western influence in
Muslim countries especially the USA.

12. 12.2 Why is Al-Qaeda significant?
 Many of the recent terrorist attacks in
the world can be traced to Al-Qaeda.
 Al-Qaeda is the epitome of the new
transnational terrorist organisation.
 Multi-national membership scattered
around the world.
 It makes use of globalisation – internet,
& international banking to carry out
attacks across the world.

13. 12.2 Why is Al-Qaeda significant?
 Sept 11, 2001 – response from USASept 11, 2001 – response from USA
– to declare a global war against– to declare a global war against
terrorism.terrorism.
 Oct 2001 – US-led coalition forcesOct 2001 – US-led coalition forces
went into Afganistan to get rid of Al-went into Afganistan to get rid of Al-
Qaeda when the Taliban GovtQaeda when the Taliban Govt
refused to give up Osamarefused to give up Osama
 US forces attacked Al-Qaeda trainingUS forces attacked Al-Qaeda training
camps.camps.

14. 12.2 Why is Al-Qaeda significant?
 But even with its leaders killed orBut even with its leaders killed or
captured, and its base of operationscaptured, and its base of operations
destroyed, Al-Qaeda proved that itdestroyed, Al-Qaeda proved that it
was still able to carry out attacks.was still able to carry out attacks.
 Al-Qaeda shares strategies, transfersAl-Qaeda shares strategies, transfers
resources and even conducts jointresources and even conducts joint
operations with other groups.operations with other groups.

15. 12.2 Why is Al-Qaeda significant?

16. 12.2 Why is Al-Qaeda significant?
 Al-Qaeda’s resilience lies in theAl-Qaeda’s resilience lies in the
deliberate and effective spread of itsdeliberate and effective spread of its
ideology.ideology.
 Al-Qaeda & other groups spreadAl-Qaeda & other groups spread
these ideas in order to gainthese ideas in order to gain
legitimacy for their cause & makelegitimacy for their cause & make
their violent actions seemtheir violent actions seem
acceptable.acceptable.

17. 12.2 Why is Al-Qaeda significant?
 Al-Qaeda’s ideology is rejected by Muslims and
Islam.
 After the disruption of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI)
terrorist network in S’pore, more than 120 Muslim
organisations issued a joint statement – condemn
the misuse of Islam for terrorism.
 In 2002, two bombs exploded at two popular
nightspots in Bali, Indonesia
 The explosions killed 200 people & injured more than
300 others.

18. 12.2 Why is Al-Qaeda significant?
 Terrorist were now hitting soft targets
such as nightspots and shopping centres.
 In 2005, Bali was hit again by terrorist.
 Let’s take a look at the map on the next
slide.

19. Other attacks attributed to Al-Qaeda

20. 13. What is the impact of terrorism?13. What is the impact of terrorism?

21. 13. What is the impact of terrorism?13. What is the impact of terrorism?
 Economic impact
 Sept 11 attack had tremendous impact on the
US as well as the world
 Total loss of life and property cost insurance
companies US$40 billion.
 Airline industry lost a lot of business
 US govt had to step in to help the airline
industry – to prevent closing down

22. 13. What is the impact of terrorism?13. What is the impact of terrorism?
Economic impact on Bali was moreon Bali was more
severe – as Bali depended onsevere – as Bali depended on
tourism for its revenuetourism for its revenue
 Tourist arrivalsTourist arrivals in Bali fell by 50%in Bali fell by 50%
 Many local people lost their livelihoodMany local people lost their livelihood
 Government spendingGovernment spending has alsohas also
increased since Sept 11 to cater forincreased since Sept 11 to cater for
increase security.increase security.

25. 13. What is the impact of terrorism?13. What is the impact of terrorism?
 More police and troops deployed to
guard key installations.
 Governments spend more money and
resources in holding exercises to
ensure that the emergency services
and their citizens are prepared.
 In January 2006, S’pore held its
largest civil emergency exercise,
Exercise North Star.
 The exercise involved 2000 personnel
from 22 agencies.

27. 13. What is the impact of terrorism?13. What is the impact of terrorism?
Social Impact
 Acts of terrorism may create
suspicion and tension among the
various ethnic and religious groups.
 In S’pore, the Community
Engagement Programme was
launched on Feb 2006.
 It is a long-term effort to ensure are
better equipped to maintain social
cohesion and harmony, should a crisis
happen in Singapore.

28. 13. What is the impact of terrorism?13. What is the impact of terrorism?
Political impact
 Govt have a responsibility to keep
their citizens safe from terrorists.
 As a result, govt have had to tighten
controls to ensure terrorist do not slip
into the country.
 Border security measures involve
greater checks on travellers’
identities and belongings, slowing
down immigration clearance.

29. 13. What is the impact of terrorism?13. What is the impact of terrorism?
 Intrusive legislation aimed atIntrusive legislation aimed at
countering terrorism have also beencountering terrorism have also been
introducedintroduced
 Argument that these measures andArgument that these measures and
laws infringe on individual freedomlaws infringe on individual freedom
 Security vs freedom - debateSecurity vs freedom - debate

31. 14. Can transnational terrorism be
managed?
 Transnational terrorism is a globalTransnational terrorism is a global
threat – needs concerted effort tothreat – needs concerted effort to
manage.manage.
 No one country can hope to defeatNo one country can hope to defeat
terrorism on its own.terrorism on its own.

32. 14.1 ASEAN’s efforts to manage
terrorism
 ASEAN leaders view terrorism as aASEAN leaders view terrorism as a
majormajor threat to international peacethreat to international peace
and securityand security..
 It is seen as a direct challenge to theIt is seen as a direct challenge to the
achievement of peace.achievement of peace.
 ASEAN govts –pledged theirASEAN govts –pledged their
determination todetermination to co-operate againstco-operate against
transnational terrorism.transnational terrorism.

33. 14.1 ASEAN’s efforts to manage
terrorism
 ASEAN has pledged to enhanceASEAN has pledged to enhance
information and intelligenceinformation and intelligence
exchange on terrorist and theirexchange on terrorist and their
activities.activities.
 This has helped member countries toThis has helped member countries to
disrupt terrorist activities.disrupt terrorist activities.
 In January 2002, PhilippineIn January 2002, Philippine
authorities arrested JI bomb-makerauthorities arrested JI bomb-maker
based on information given by S’porebased on information given by S’pore

34. 14.1 ASEAN’s efforts to manage
terrorism
 Bomb-maker Fathur was involved inBomb-maker Fathur was involved in
the bombing of the Light Railwaythe bombing of the Light Railway
Train in Manila in Dec 2000.Train in Manila in Dec 2000.
 He was also a lead character in theHe was also a lead character in the
Al-Qaeda plot to bomb the westernAl-Qaeda plot to bomb the western
targets of S’pore.targets of S’pore.
 ASEAN Regional Forum – used aASEAN Regional Forum – used a
platform to discuss transnationalplatform to discuss transnational
issues.issues.

35. 14.1 ASEAN’s efforts to manage
terrorism

36. 14.1 ASEAN’s efforts to manage
terrorism
 In Jan 2007, Southeast Asian leadersIn Jan 2007, Southeast Asian leaders
agreed to several measures thatagreed to several measures that
committed their national security andcommitted their national security and
law enforcement agencies to worklaw enforcement agencies to work
closely.closely.
 The Convention on Counter-terrorismThe Convention on Counter-terrorism
signed in Cebu, Phillipines – firstsigned in Cebu, Phillipines – first
legally binding anti-terrorism accord.legally binding anti-terrorism accord.

37. 14.2 International efforts to combat
terrorism
 After Sept 11, UN passed a series ofAfter Sept 11, UN passed a series of
resolutions in a bid to stop terrorism.resolutions in a bid to stop terrorism.
• Member countries to freeze the financialMember countries to freeze the financial
assets of terrorists and their supportersassets of terrorists and their supporters
• Deny them travel and safe havenDeny them travel and safe haven
• Prevent terrorist recruitment andPrevent terrorist recruitment and
weapons supplyweapons supply
• Co-operate with other countries inCo-operate with other countries in
information sharing and criminalinformation sharing and criminal
prosecutionprosecution

38. 14.1 ASEAN’s efforts to manage
terrorism
 UN set up a Counter-TerrorismUN set up a Counter-Terrorism
Committee (CTC) to monitor memberCommittee (CTC) to monitor member
countries’ adherence to thecountries’ adherence to the
resolutions.resolutions.
 Strengthen the counter-terrorismStrengthen the counter-terrorism
capacity of member statescapacity of member states
 The CTC also provides technicalThe CTC also provides technical
assistance to countries that requireassistance to countries that require
help in implementing the resolutionshelp in implementing the resolutions

39. Have these measures been successful?Have these measures been successful?
 Member countries have frozenMember countries have frozen
US$200 million in terrorist fundingUS$200 million in terrorist funding
 By sharing information, 4,000By sharing information, 4,000
terrorist suspects have been arrestedterrorist suspects have been arrested
 Despite regional and internationalDespite regional and international
efforts, it has not been completelyefforts, it has not been completely
successful in getting rid ofsuccessful in getting rid of
transnational terrorism.transnational terrorism.

40. Have these measures been successful?Have these measures been successful?
Why?Why?
 The ability of terrorists to evade securityThe ability of terrorists to evade security
 Terrorists ability to recruit new operativesTerrorists ability to recruit new operatives
 They are able to influence people to theirThey are able to influence people to their
cause because ideas about terrorism andcause because ideas about terrorism and
violence is widely available e.g. throughviolence is widely available e.g. through
internet.internet.

41. 14.3 Nurturing an environment that14.3 Nurturing an environment that
censures terrorismcensures terrorism
 Every individual has a role to play toEvery individual has a role to play to
deny the terrorists space in society.deny the terrorists space in society.
 Society must stand firmly and rejectSociety must stand firmly and reject
terrorist ideas otherwise they mayterrorist ideas otherwise they may
gain legitimacygain legitimacy

42. Conclusion
 The world today is more inter-The world today is more inter-
connectedconnected
 Inter-connectivity has broughtInter-connectivity has brought
opportunities and challengesopportunities and challenges
 One of the challenges is to manageOne of the challenges is to manage
and contain the threat ofand contain the threat of
transnational terrorismtransnational terrorism
 Countries should work on this at theCountries should work on this at the
regional & international levelregional & international level

43. Conclusion
 Terrorism has no specific religion,Terrorism has no specific religion,
ethnic origin, nationality andethnic origin, nationality and
geographic locationgeographic location
 Attempts to link it with any faithAttempts to link it with any faith
would only serve their interestswould only serve their interests
 It is the terrorist who misuse andIt is the terrorist who misuse and
distort religious teachings to justifydistort religious teachings to justify
their actstheir acts

44. Conclusion
 Today’s terrorism cannot be dealt with justToday’s terrorism cannot be dealt with just
arresting the terrorist operatives.arresting the terrorist operatives.
 They are able to recruit new operatives toThey are able to recruit new operatives to
replace those killed or arrested.replace those killed or arrested.
 They recruit by spreading their ideologyThey recruit by spreading their ideology
through the Internet.through the Internet.
 Crucial that society play its part to counterCrucial that society play its part to counter
radical and extremist influences.radical and extremist influences.