Learning the Lessons of Terrorist Failure: The Dogs that Didn't Bark in Scotland and Wales

Terrorist violence generates a great deal of attention from media, politicians and academics. Most importantly, the successful commission of a terrorist act creates an expectation of response among the general public. Yet, too often responses are dictated by the terrorist acts that do occur, rather than the campaigns of violence that fail: often as a result of state action. This policy brief studies cases in which terrorist campaigns failed to get off the ground and attempts to trace the factors behind these failures. In doing so, it is shown how lessons can be learned about how the failed cases can inform counter-terrorism policy, in terms of maintaining viable political alternatives and ensuring state action is carefully measured, proportionate and inclusive.

DOI: 10.19165/2019.2.04