Thesis (M.A.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available via the Internet.

This thesis argues that the image as circulated within society has changed from what is broadly conceived of as a mass media society to that of an information society or a rhizomatic condition. This discontinuity is linked to changes that have taken place both within technology and the 'communications systems' that make up the media. This is theorized as a move from the 'mobilization of images' to the 'weaponization of images' and it takes the following form: the mobilization of images is connected to a twentieth century notion of propaganda and the rise of a mass society; whereas the weaponizing of images is understood as emerging through a networked/rhizomatic society connected with new media. It has also resulted in a paradigm shift from techno-war to image warfare. More specifically, this thesis is about exploring how American and British governments and militaries are failing to manage image warfare because they are operating with an outdated understanding that it is possible to 'control' images; whereas Al Qaeda appears to be understanding image warfare better. What I seek to show in this thesis is the disjuncture between this outdated idea of 'controlling' images (which Western governments and media continue to use) and a more dispersed or deterritorialized idea about how images operate in a rhizomatic condition. I explore this via my three conceptual terms: 'image munitions', 'counter-image munitions', 'remediation battles', with specific reference to the war on terror and specifically through four thematic case studies - political communications, suicides, executions and abuses - which allow exploration of different parts of this new theatre of war. In the conclusion I reflect on the implications of this analysis for understandings of contemporary and future warfare.

This study explored the balancing out of the rights associated with terrorist and counter-terrorist attacks by using descriptive case studies of the US 9/11 attacks; and the counter-terrorist attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq. The research was conducted within a critical theory paradigm, drawing on the ideas of Habermas and other Critical Theorists. The research design was influenced by the securitive and ideological nature of the topic and it was decided that an extensive review of literature would be more suitable than a field study. A small number of interviews added to the richness of the data. Human rights, needs and international relations were investigated to serve as a theoretical starting-point for the study (Chapter 2). The case studies were subsequently explored against the background of this theoretical approach. This thesis therefore assessed the impact of human rights law on terrorism and counter-terrorism attacks under the Human Rights Act (1998). It considered how the provisions of the Human Rights Act have influenced the formulation and interpretation of anti-terrorism laws, and it examined the role of the judiciary in adjudicating disputes between the individual and the state. It further discussed human needs and the progress on human rights, terrorist attacks, as well as counter-terrorism attacks. Extensive data was gathered on the 9/11 attacks, and it was concluded that these attacks fall within the definition of crimes against humanity under international human rights jurisprudence. To bring about a truly secure world we must adopt a new paradigm that shifts priority to the security of the individuals and of communities to achieving human security, the honouring of human rights, and respect for the rule of law. This will obviously require a renewed commitment by all individuals and a shared sense of responsibility for all people, all over the world. What we need now is a major course correction – a new iii A. Fabbriciani approach which begins with a broader understanding of what defines human rights and the rule of law (Wilson, 2007). The study also focuses on counter-terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq (Chapters 3 and 4). It was shown that counter-terrorist attacks had an effect on the global economic system and development policies, which have been dominated by ideological strategies for many years. However, resistance has come from Islamic states, which have realised that new-liberal economic practices are incompatible with their theological and economic traditions. This has caused a situation to rethink global development programmes by political leaders, and to move away from new-liberal schemes towards true global development strategies. One of the main findings of the study was that the crimes of persecution and torture on the basis of political or religious views have been perpetrated by both parties, namely Al-Qaeda, and the US and its allies. It has been shown that the explored acts of terrorism and counter-attacks represent crimes against humanity, as defined by the relevant provisions of international law.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego, 2008. / Title from first page of PDF file (viewed January 6, 2009). Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Vita. Embargoed until 12/1/2010. Includes bibliographical references (p. 278-292).

Approved for public release; distribution in unlimited. / This thesis explores U.S.-Albanian relations, focusing on the security cooperation. Since its inception as an independent state, Albania's relations with the United States have been the focus of Albanian foreign policy. After the First World War, Albania survived as an independent state largely due to the support given to her by the United States. Albanian-U.S. relations have had their ups and downs, with the most unfortunate period being the post-World War Two period, where these relations were severed and Albania was put under communist domination for half a century. After the collapse of communism, a revitalization of U.S.-Albanian relations took place. Albania is becoming an increasingly important ally for the United States in the Balkans. The security partnership between the two countries reached a zenith during the crisis of Kosovo and was further fostered after September 11, 2001, as Albania unequivocally offered to cooperate with the United States on the war on terrorism. September 11 has changed the way the partner countries capabilities are viewed by the United States. Albania, a perceived Muslim majority country, may prove in the future to be more important to the US through Albania's contribution to the war on terrorism than through its military capabilities. / Colonel, Albanian Army

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited / This thesis examines the role of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the global war on terrorism. It focuses on NATO’s objectives as well as the obstacles to its active and effective participation in countering this new security challenge. The thesis first analyzes NATO’s response to the terrorist attacks against the United States on 11 September 2001 and the resulting transformation in NATO’s strategic focus and capabilities, which is designed to ensure its relevance in the new security environment. The thesis then examines the key political and military factors that might, in some circumstances, undermine the Atlantic Alliance and hinder the important task of combating terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. These factors constitute challenges that must be successfully met for the Atlantic Alliance to play a strong role in the war on terrorism. / Lieutenant, United States Navy

The role of airpower in the Persian Gulf security framework is approaching an important crossroads as old missions end, strategic assumptions change, and uncertain requirements emerge. Future requirements will be defined in a strategic environment where regional threats, relevant actors,and U.S. interests have all evolved. For over a decade, airpower has contributed important capabilities to persistent missions to coerce and contain Iraq, but with these missions ending new posture requirements must be defined. The effects based methodology framework presented here provides a useful system level model for thinking in terms of optimizing effects as strategy is operationalized. Airpower will continue to support U.S. interests to preserve stable oil flows, diminish terrorism, promote regional stability, and deter weapons of mass destruction proliferation from a new global posture construct emphasizing agile, expeditionary forces. Extremist sub-state actors, Iranian nuclear ambitions, and uncertain political, economic and social trends increasingly challenge these interests. The regional military strategy for U.S. Central Command focuses on three broad goals of warfighting, engagement, and development. Airpower's precision, global reach and strike, and network centric advances offer decision-makers useful capabilities to support these making continued access to regional basing a strategic imperative.

The purpose of the thesis is to analyze the importance of sharing information when dealing with activities related to international terrorism in Latin America, especially in the aftermath of the terrorist events against the United States on September 11, 2001. The importance of information on international terrorism is critical in the war against terrorism, particularly in the region due to the potential for those activities associated with the already existent organized crime. The importance of information includes organizations. Therefore, the proposed organizational process makes it possible to facilitate the sharing of information considering the complexity involved. At the same time, the necessity of information about the threat of terrorism can be demonstrated through the use of game theory. This model can drive the states to use all means necessary to obtain relevant information. The requirement for information sharing must be solved based on the relevance of the threats and the need for increased security for the states in the region.

Determining the conditions that lead to the formation of radical Islamist groups will help analysts and policymakers prioritize countries within sub-Saharan Africa that may need monitoring to prevent the onset of indigenous terrorism. This thesis attempts to produce knowledge toward that end by determining causal variables hypothesized to be associated with radical Islamist group formation through inductive analysis. A narrative describing the formation of a known Islamist movement in Nigeria is compared against a narrative describing the conditions in Zanzibar, where radical groups have yet to emerge given different structural conditions. The goal of the thesis is to try and generate an initial understanding of the underlying conditions that cause radical group formation to help tailor U.S. policy goals toward fighting radical Islamist group emergence through prevention.

Based on the challenges of the new global security environment, Hungary conducted a strategic Defense Review, which served as the basis of a reform of the Hungarian Defense Forces. One of the consequences of this reform is that the Hungarian Government has directed the establishment of a Special Forces group within the HDF. The government based this decision on an examination of the current security environment, likely threats, and its responsibilities as a member of NATO and the European Union. Recent experience has shown that in the GWOT one of the most important requirements is information dominance. Information gathered by human intelligence becomes even more important in asymmetric warfare. The role of the SOF in the collection of important information in theater requires a robust intelligence architecture at the unit level. The final goal should be the complete integration of SOF-based intelligence into the national intelligence community, both as an information provider and as an information user. The aim of this thesis is to address the importance of the proper intelligence structure within the Hungarian SF unit, especially in the current global security environment, as well as its cooperation with other intelligence agencies in the global war on terrorism.