Thomas M. Franck

International legal action concerning terrorism

The question of how the international community of nations can cooperate to meet the threat of terrorism is discussed. Included is a review of why the efforts to mobilize the international community have met with little success. For example, terrorism has become a cheap and relatively safe way for groups to gain attention. Moreover, the nuclear stalemate has made terrorism an efficient way for states to engage in vicarious warfare. Since the 1930s, governments have sought international agreements for the prevention and punishment of terrorism. The United Nations effort to achieve acceptance of a convention dealing with terrorism is examined. Key legal issues raised have included the interpretation of the motives of terrorists: some countries regard those involved in terrorist activities as leaders in national liberation movements. Another legal problem is multiple jurisdictions: which country should do the prosecuting? The article concludes with several suggestions for ways to achieve agreement among nati...