Research Question:
How does the United States and South Africa see the threat posed by terrorism?
Significance of the Study:
Since the 9/11 attacks, terrorism has been one of the major concerns of the international community due to the consequences of such violence in both internal and external security of each country. While the international community does agree on ending the threat of terrorism, they vary when it comes to how prevent and act against such attacks as seen in the positions of the United States and South Africa . The US has led international efforts in countering terrorism directly from its source, utilizing military, political and economic pressures to stop these terrorists . Although the US stressed their efforts have bare fruit in reducing terrorism’s threats, smaller countries such as South Africa have expressed their opposition to US efforts and fear the possible implications of US action to smaller countries also experiencing conflict .
Considering these difference in beliefs and positions on how to resolve terrorism, the study would look into both country’s terrorism laws as these may highlight their agenda and positions on the issue. The study would also look into the positions of both countries in the Iraqi War and the Gaza Strip Crisis. Understanding both South African and US sentiments on terrorism is crucial because it would highlight if the definition of terrorism has shifted to the point each nation has a different definition on what terrorism is and how it can be stopped.
Proposed Outline of the Study:
I. Introduction
A. Background of the Study
B. Research Questions
C. Significance of the Study
D. Literature Review
E. Methodology
II. Overview of Terrorism
A. Brief History of Terrorism
B. Definition of Terrorism after 9/11
C. UN and International Law on Terrorism
III. Terrorism according to the US and South Africa
A. US Perceptions on Terrorism
B. South Africa Perceptions on Terrorism
C. Case Studies: Iraqi War and Gaza Strip Crisis
IV. Conclusion
A. Summary and Conclusion
B. Recommendations for Future Study
Annotated Bibliography
Ploch, Lauren. South Africa: Current Issues and U.S. Relations. Washington, D.C.: US Library
of Congress, Congressional Research Service, 2011. Print.
The article written by Ploch highlights how US-South Africa relations grew, especially after its independence under the Apartheid. The article also contained information regarding the political and economic status of South Africa. This article is crucial for the study because it highlights how South Africa and the US cooperate in terms of stopping terrorism. Although both countries are cooperating in terms of counter-terrorism strategies, Ploch indicated there are times South Africa and the US disagree on handling terrorism in the Middle East.
Roach, Kent. Comparative Counter-Terrorism Law. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press,
2015. Print.
The book is a perfect reference for researchers when it comes to understanding the development of terrorism laws and counter-terrorism efforts. The book also provides the laws of twenty-two countries around the globe and their respective applications, as well as comparisons on how each nation looks into specific issues. For this study, the book would provide the framework on how South African and US counter-terrorism laws were established and where both countries differ on responding to terrorism-related incidents.
Solomon, Hussein. Jihad: A South African Perspective. Stellenbosch: African SUN MeDia,
2013. Print.
Solomon, in this book, provides an in-depth analysis on South Africa’s perspective regarding terrorism. He also expounded on the nature of domestic terrorism in the country and how the country is trying to stop its threats. Solomon’s in-depth analysis on South African terrorism policies and positions is crucial in indicating where it differs from the US.
Bibliography
Ploch, Lauren. South Africa: Current Issues and U.S. Relations. Washington, D.C.: US Library
of Congress, Congressional Research Service, 2011. Print.
Roach, Kent. Comparative Counter-Terrorism Law. Cambridge: Cambridge University press,
2015. Print.
Solomon, Hussein. Jihad: A South African Perspective. Stellenbosch: African SUN MeDia,
2013. Print.
