TERRORISM RISK: CHARACTERISTICS AND FEATURES

BILAL M. AYYUB

Center for Technology and Systems Management, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland

1 INTRODUCTION

Risk is associated with all projects, business ventures, and activities taken by individuals and organizations regardless of their sizes, natures, and time and place of execution and utilization. Acts of violence including terrorism can be considered as an additional hazard source. These risks could result in significant losses, such as economic and financial losses, environmental damages, budget overruns, delivery delays, and even injuries and loss of life. In broad context, risks are taken even though they could lead to adverse consequences because of potential benefits, rewards, survival, and future return on investment. Risk taking is a characteristic of intelligence for living species since it involves decision making that is viewed as an expression of higher levels of intelligence. The chapter defines and discusses terrorism risk and its characteristics and features.

2 TERMINOLOGY

Definitions that are needed for risk analysis are presented herein [1].

Several definitions are available for the term terrorism, though without a globally accepted one. The following are selected definitions:

  • US Code of Federal Regulations: “ … the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any ...

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