The Globalising nature of terrorism and the manifestations and implications of new terrorism

Abstract

This research will focus on the evolution of new terrorist manifestations from more traditional manifestations and the implications for South Africa’s security. More contemporary manifestations of terrorism, coined as new terrorism has taken on a transnational profile, posing a global threat and requires a contemporary interpretation in order to explain. The terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 (hereafter known as 9/11) did not offer new developments or perpetrators, but the scale and scope of the attacks was a distressing development (Meyer 2018:1). The recent terrorist attacks that have been occurring in Mozambique where alleged al-Shabaab militants decapitated 23 people portray a shift in the manifestation of terrorism towards Southern Africa, potentially threatening South Africa's security (Daily Maverick 2018). Considering the above mentioned, this research will review the changing face of terrorism in its meaning and manifestation by exploring the characteristics of old and new terrorism, global and continental manifestations since the 9/11 attacks and the implications for South Africa's national security. It suggests that despite the links to international terrorism, the threat is not prevalent in South Africa, however counter-terrorism measures should be successful to address the threat if it arises and that the government should communicate effectively in the event that a terror-related incident occurs.