US versus European Approaches to Terrorism: Size Really Does Matter

This article compares the European tendency toward 'conflict negotiation' with the USA's 'conflict resolution/ elimination' approach to terrorism. Historical/social experiences, political strategies and arsenal sizes impact their different perspectives on terrorism that also impact their different approach to managing Islamic terrorist threats. In the European Union, the Islamic threat is perceived differently from country to country. On the other hand, the USA generates a uniform ideological perspective. The USA has the military and diplomatic resources to fight for its interests abroad while also practicing isolationism in the homeland. Because of its close proximity to the Middle East, its greater sensitivity to cultural differences in the area, its large, relatively unintegrated Muslim population and limited military resources, Europe is more willing to pursue a mixed strategy of appeasement and aggression within the homeland.