publication

What's in a name? Changing the CNI
Those sharp-eyed spotters among us who carefully monitor the output of Government websites might perhaps have felt the right to be bemused when confronted with the changing definition of critical national infrastructure (CNI) that has recently emerged.

RUSI commentary
Events

UK Terrorism

Cutting-edge analysis and comment from the world's oldest defence and security think tank
UK Terrorism
Terrorist plots in recent years underscore the reality of the threat in the UK. The July 2006 bombings caused great loss of life, and so too would the June 2007 plot have done so had it not failed. Analysis and insight are crucial in defeating the threat, and also to make sure that it is done in the most productive manner possible.

Articles

Terrorism Trends in the European Union
As terrorism becomes an increasingly international phenomenon, Monitor analyses a recent Europol report into the terrorism situation in Europe that stresses the importance of member states working together to share information.
Brown’s Baptism of Fire
*Free Access* As the new prime minister steps into 10 Downing Street, RUSI’s Head of Resilience Neil Ellis analyses his security background, his plans for the future, and how he dealt with a first month in office that required him to deal with suspected car bombs in London, an attack on Glasgow Airport and serious flooding across much of the UK.
Risk managementThe UK's Risk Management Approach to National Security
This article examines the nature of the natural and non-state threats to the UK together with the tools employed to reduce the associated risks.
Terror TrialsTerrorists on trial: the media reaction
Free access: The recent conviction of five men for their involvement in a foiled plot to bomb UK civilian targets has raised criticism of the security services over the ones who ‘got away’. This article analyzes the media reaction.
MacArthur MazeThe MacArthur Maze: repair and recovery
Free access: The recent crash of a gasoline tanker on a San Francisco highway interchange highlights the issues that need to be considered by emergency planners and managers.
747 AirlinerImpact of terrorism on the tourist industry
A terrorist attack can cause long-term damage to a country’s tourist trade but ironically, the more of a risk international terrorism becomes, the less afraid tourists are to travel.
QutbThe Sociology of Terrorism
It is crucial first to examine the reasons for this clash of values and second to unravel the perceptions that fuel the passions behind the terrorist’s mask.
JihadismRadicalization on the Internet? The Virtual Propagation of Jihadist Media and its Effects
The Internet, that most contemporary of media, is increasingly a medium of choice: Jihadist websites, forums and blogs flourish.
Protecting the UK against Terrorism
This article oulines the measures taken by the British Government since 9/11 and points out the additional institutional work which must be accomplished.

Commentary

Securing the UK Borders
The speech made by Gordon Brown on 14 November, in advance of the National Security Strategy which will be published in the next few weeks, sets out a strategy for preventing future terrorist attacks on the UK. Much of the new content of Brown’s speech pertained to Lord West’s review of physical security measures within the UK. These included the introduction of barriers to keep potential vehicle borne bombs away from key areas and designing bomb-resistant features into new buildings.
Alan WestA ‘Simple Sailor’ in a Crowded Place: Terrorism and Society
The newly-revealed counter-terrorist measures (revealed 14 November) places an emphasis on protecting the very fabric of our society. It will be the continuing and necessary functioning of society, its ability to adapt, adjust and overcome, that makes terrorism so ordinary, pathetic, lethal and impotent.
All Change? Brown’s New Terror Proposals
Barely a month into his Premiership, Gordon Brown has unveiled his new security proposals.
The Australian Connection
Australians have a lot of sympathy for the UK when it suffers a terrorist attack. Many Australians have significant connections to the UK, so the incidents in London and Glasgow were front page news and lead stories in newscasts on Australian television.
MI5’s assessment of the terrorist threat in the UK
Has the MI5 chief's warning on 9 November updated our appreciation of the the terror threat in the UK?
Reporting the car bombs
They are astonishing pictures by any standards. From the moment the terrorists struck, in London and Glasgow, what happened was filmed – not by the press or the police, but by members of the public who happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Tanweek Khan_July 7 BombersOperation Crevice Trial Ends
It is easy to point fingers at the security services and ask how they missed Khan and Tanweer. It is less simple to determine how on earth the security services could have joined the dots without the benefit of hindsight.
Car Bombs: Inside Vehicle Borne Improvized Explosive Devices (VBIEDs)
In the early hours of Friday 29 June 2007 a sharp-eyed paramedic, attending an incident at a central London nightclub, reported a suspect vehicle to the Metropolitan Police.
What need is there for a public role in the fight against terrorism?
In the wake of the terrorist activities of the past four days, one cannot underestimate the role that the public has played, and will need to play in the future, in countering the terrorist threat.
Failed Terrorist Attacks are Still Terrorist Attacks
The failed terrorist bombings of London and Glasgow allow a collective sigh of relief. Initial analysis suggests that the bombs were viable and if detonated would have caused massive loss of life, injury and damage.
UK Car Bombs: Timing the Attacks
The UK narrowly averted a series of potentially devastating attacks over the weekend in an apparently coordinated plan to detonate vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) in multiple locations.
HSR generic imageThe Al-Qa’ida Business Plan
Al-Qai'da strategy is more in keeping with the boardroom of a multi-national business than a military campaign headquarters. Therefore looking at how modern business practices have evolved over recent years may provide both an insight into the current threat to the UK and ways to counter it.
Police searchTerror suspects on control orders abscond
Whether you are subject to a control order or are being hounded publicly for absconding from one, your personal liberties are somewhat curtailed. We ought to try to think creatively about how we increase the use of normal legal process.

Further information