Opportunities and challenges created by terrorism

Abstract

Besides being pushed by technical development and pulled by the demand for hi-tech products, technology is also often influenced greatly by the sudden impacts from other external environments. As shown by the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks (2001), Bali bombings (2002, 2005), Madrid bombings (2004), and London bombings (2005), some technologies have been fundamentally affected by terrorism, especially those concerning globalization, infrastructure, corporations, education, and individuals. Using system dynamics (SD) methodology, our paper first examines the causes of terrorism and why the United States was chosen as the target for the 9/11 terror attacks. The concept of SD helps analysts realize the variation of a complicated system and perceive how an internal feedback loop within a system impacts the whole system's behavior. After suffering the 9/11 attacks, the American-led coalition carefully considered how to study and develop effective methods for anti-terrorism strategies. These anti-terrorism efforts will have a major impact on technology development, and many opportunities and challenges are likely to arise from such development. Based on the qualitative analytic approach of causal loops, this article explores in detail the opportunities and challenges for technology development prompted by terrorism. The contribution of our study lies in appropriately analyzing links between terrorism and technology development in order to explain the present relevant technology situation and to initiate a discussion of future technology development trends.