Situational prevention of the phenomenon of international terrorism

Abstract

This research addresses the topic of "Contextual Prevention of the Phenomenon of International Terrorism," as a contemporary approach to limiting and preventing terrorist operations before they occur. This approach addresses the crime environment and reduces the chances of their commission. The research begins in the first section by defining the concept of international terrorism, through an analysis of the linguistic and jurisprudential definition of the term "terrorism." It then moves on to review the current legal and international definitions, which lack international consensus due to political and interest-based differences between states. This has led to procedural ambiguity in the legal characterization of terrorist acts.

The research also addresses the basic elements that distinguish international terrorism from other crimes, such as targeted violence, political purpose, and the international element. It distinguishes it from similar crimes such as legitimate resistance or crimes of a political nature.

The second section focuses on the concept of "contextual prevention" as a branch of preventive criminology. This concept is based on the idea of ​​reducing criminal opportunities by modifying the circumstances surrounding terrorist acts, through means such as security protection of sensitive sites, strengthening surveillance and monitoring systems, and restricting access to targeted facilities and locations. The study also reviews the international legal framework that supports this prevention, represented by relevant Security Council resolutions and some multilateral agreements. The study presents practical examples demonstrating the effectiveness of situational prevention in reducing terrorist crimes, making it a strategic option for preventing and controlling terrorism, far removed from traditional solutions based solely on punishment.