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International terrorism, power and post-Cold-War conflict

By Ron Anderson, Scotch College

Is the conflict associated with the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, and the subsequent US and its allies' response involving Afghanistan, a post-Cold-War conflict? To what extent and in what ways does it show characteristics alleged to be typical of conflicts since the end of the Cold War?

Or rather is it, as some commentators allege, an example of a new form of conflict different from that of the 'post-Cold-War era', in effect the beginning of a new era of conflict? Many commentators have referred to the momentous events of 2001 as indicating the start of a new era.

This article explores some of the ramifications and implications of the 2001 terrorist attacks and the US response in relation to three main themes

1. the extent to which the conflict is related to post Cold War conflicts
2. aspects of International power and its agencies

The remainder of this 13-page article includes the following subheadings:

I. International terrorism and post-Cold-War conflict?

Is there such a thing as post-Cold-War conflict?

A new global power balance

The origins and nature of Islamic terrorism

1. Partly Cold-War origins
   1. The formation of Al-Qaeda
   2. Osamar Bin Laden
   3. The regime of General Zia el-Huk.
   4. The Taliban: Afghanistan and Pakistan
2. Post-Cold-War elements
   1. The replacement of the USSR by the US as the focus of Islamic extremism
   2. The emergence and expansion of Al-Qaeda
   3. The radicalisation and terrorism of Osama Bin Laden
   4. Bin Laden's terrorism
   5. The emergence of several front line Islamic states
   6. Internal dissent in moderate Islamic states

The Islamic issue

Islam and terrorism

Factors involved in the current anti -US international terrorism

1. Post-colonial pan-Arabic identity
2. The development of Islam as a form of identity
3. The response to 'westernisation': 'liberalism and modernity
4. Anti-US post-Cold-War domination
5. Specific US policies and actions
   1. Israel and Palestine
   2. Iraq
   3. Saudi Arabia
   4. Egypt

The effect of these factors

Tentative conclusion

II. Aspects of International Power and its agencies

1. New power formations in the Islamic world
2. Al-Qaeda a 'new' non-state actor
3. US strategy and tactics

The evolution of the general strategy

Diplomacy and coalition building

Bilateral relations and pressure

• Pakistan
• China
• Former USSR Central Asian Republics
• internal groups in Afghanistan
• Resolution aspects

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