Technology and Terror: The New Arsenal of Anarchy

Abstract

Never in history have violent non-state actors been so technologically savvy. While technological advances can be important drivers of development and prosperity, they can also be used and misused by malicious actors. In the past, advanced technologies were used by a very limited community with substantial resources and expertise. Today, many advanced technologies are available as an “open-source” in the hands of nefarious actors, including extremists and terrorists who are using them to achieve political and economic power and to spread disinformation and fear. Non-state actors have always been interested in obtaining and mastering innovative weapons; however, the weapons that they are using today can have even greater “global” repercussions. Cyber power and drones can be more dangerous to the stability of democracies and economies than guns and tanks ever were, and terrorists are quick learners. This chapter will describe how terrorists are able to harness these new technologies, while setting out some strategies how best to counter them.