When Evidence Is Scant, Mathematical Modeling Offers a Roadmap for Discovery

Abstract

Terrorism traditionally meant ‘terror organized by a State’ before becoming ‘terror directed against a State’. Its development during the second half of the twentieth century prompted States, starting in 1963, to marshall international cooperation with a view to preventing and condemning this type of criminal act. For a long time States did so without using the word ‘terrorism’ as such. However, under pressure from politicians, the media and NGOs, the word ‘terrorism’ began appearing in international conventions and United Nations resolutions — mostly without being defined. Things did not change significantly following the events of 11 September 2001, which did, however, trigger a new determination to ensure the universal application of existing measures. In this respect, they led the Security Council to play a truly legislative role.