The media and security forces: Is a joint strategy possible?

Abstract

GUERRILLA action is Inherently political, and Its main weapon is not bullets, but publicity. Terror is simply a callous con- tinuation of this theme of embarrasment through bad publicity. One of the goals of terror is to receive maximum publicity for the activities of a political group. Because the Intent of terror is to generate maximum publicity from It, It puts the authorities, the security forces and the media before a pain- ful dilemma: when acts of terrorism are pur- posefully being suppressed, it causes unrest and unease within a democratic society. The media are continually struggl- Ing with this problem. How do you maintain credibility without contributing to symbolic and Instrumental violence?