Pre-Emptive War, Iraq, and Suicide Bombers

Abstract

Faced by the continued threat of suicide bombers and other acts of terrorism, Professor Masters argues that we need a more robust and cogent policy debate about the two primary security strategies: deterrence and pre-emption. Masters suggests that the Bush administration’s apparent emphasis on a pre-emptive strategy will not work under circumstances that make martyrdom an appealing choice for terrorists. Contemporary theories of animal evolution indicate that self-sacrifice is more likely in relatively poor societies with high birth rates and low life expectancy, as exists in most of the Muslim states.

Recommended Citation

Masters, Roger D. (2002) "Pre-Emptive War, Iraq, and Suicide Bombers," The Forum: Vol. 1 : Iss. 2, Article 3.
DOI: 10.2202/1540-8884.1008
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/forum/vol1/iss2/art3