counter-terrorism
Combating violent extremists
Counter-terrorism refers to military, political, and intelligence activities designed to prevent or respond to terrorist attacks.
The term covers everything from surveillance and infiltration of terrorist networks to armed raids and drone strikes.
Counter-terrorism measures have expanded dramatically since 2001.
Often hyphenated, sometimes written as one word.
Countering extremist indoctrination
- educationSystematic development of mind
- outreachProactive community assistance
- awarenessState of perceiving reality
- vigilanceState of keen awareness
resilience · reporting · safeguarding · mentorship · hotline
Systematic observation of subjects
- espionageCovert intelligence gathering
- informantOne who provides intelligence
- interceptSeize en route
- SIGINTIntelligence from communications intercepts
HUMINT · reconnaissance · analysis · decryption · briefing · profiling · clandestine · covert
Sudden armed incursion
- tacticalStrategically planned
- combatArmed hostile engagement
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
- neutralizationCanceling opposing forces
extraction · assault · interdiction · capture · rendition · task-force · breach · sniper
Inspection station on route
- screeningEvaluative selection process
- pat-downBody search by touch
- barriersThings blocking access
- bollardsShort protective posts
perimeter · biometrics · credentialing · TSA · scanners · magnetometer · lockdown
Official enactment of statutes
- sanctionsPunitive international restrictions
- designationFormal name or title
- proscriptionFormal ban or condemnation
- treatyBinding pact between nations
Captive held as security
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- siegeEncirclement forcing surrender
- evacuationRemoval from danger
- triageSeverity-based prioritization
casualties · rescue · lockdown · alert · EOD · shelter-in-place · aftermath · recovery
Biased information for influence
- counter-narrativeStory opposing mainstream version
- psyopsStrategic manipulation of adversaries' thinking
- debunkingProving claims false
deradicalization
Countering extremist indoctrination
- educationSystematic development of mind
- outreachProactive community assistance
- awarenessState of perceiving reality
vigilance · resilience · reporting · safeguarding · mentorship · hotline
surveillance
Systematic observation of subjects
SIGINT · HUMINT · reconnaissance · analysis · decryption · briefing · profiling · clandestine · covert · undercover
raid
Sudden armed incursion
- tacticalStrategically planned
- combatArmed hostile engagement
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
neutralization · extraction · assault · interdiction · capture · rendition · task-force · breach · sniper · ambush
checkpoint
Inspection station on route
bollards · perimeter · biometrics · credentialing · TSA · scanners · magnetometer · lockdown
legislation
Official enactment of statutes
- sanctionsPunitive international restrictions
- designationFormal name or title
- proscriptionFormal ban or condemnation
treaty · Interpol · extradition · prosecution · detention
hostage
Captive held as security
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- siegeEncirclement forcing surrender
- evacuationRemoval from danger
triage · casualties · rescue · lockdown · alert · EOD · shelter-in-place · aftermath · recovery
propaganda
Biased information for influence
- counter-narrativeStory opposing mainstream version
- psyopsStrategic manipulation of adversaries' thinking
- debunkingProving claims false
- public safetypolice, 911, ambulance, fire department, firefighters
- military operationsoffensive, attack, marines, Desert Storm, NATO operations
- SWATSWAT, tactical team, entry team, ballistic shield, battering ram
- UN portfolioseconomic affairs, social affairs, management, disarmament, peacekeeping
- British Special ForcesSAS, Special Air Service, Hereford, selection, badged
- espionagespy, spies, double agent, double agents, spying
counter-terrorismterrorism
Intimidation through targeted violence
political violence · violent extremism · domestic terrorism · international terrorism · jihadism
counter-terrorismappeasement
Satisfying demands to prevent conflict
capitulation · surrender · state-sponsored terrorism · accommodation · concession