Thought Papers

Sir David Omand

Former Director of GCHQ

Rethinking Counter- terrorism

Terrorism has taken newer intensified approaches, and its reach is continually expanding. In this world of evolving technology, are there new tactics, methods and tools that can be adopted by the intelligence community counter the growing threat? Do we need new intelligence tactics, methods and tools to counter-terrorism?

Why do we fear terrorism? Statistically, the risk for the citizen of being in the wrong place at the wrong time when the terrorists strike remains low. Yet individual risk is only part of the calculation. There is a very significant social risk from terrorism that expresses itself as a loss of confidence in the authorities and indeed an absence of the confidence needed to continue with normal life.