I cannot imagine a context that would some day, in some manner, make the monstrous crime of September 11 an understandable or comprehensible political act
Jurgen HabermasRead
Global terrorism is extreme both in its lack of realistic goals and in its cynical exploitation of the vulnerability of complex systems.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that global terrorism lacks attainable objectives and takes advantage of the weaknesses in intricate systems.
Jurgen Habermas comments on the nature of global terrorism, highlighting its irrationality in setting achievable goals while simultaneously exploiting the inherent vulnerabilities of complex societal structures. This reflects a deep philosophical critique of how terrorist actions are not only destructive but also profoundly misguided in their aims, revealing a deficiency in strategic thinking.
Themes
TerrorismGoalsSystemsExploitationComplexity
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on political science, one might use this quote to illustrate the paradox of terrorism as a political strategy.
More from Jurgen Habermas
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The scenarios of biological or chemical warfare painted in detail by the American media during the months after September 11 only betray the inability of the government to determine the magnitude of the danger.
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Perhaps September 11 could be called the first historic world event in the strictest sense: the impact, the explosion, the slow collapse - a gruesome reality literally took place in front of a global public.
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The difference between political terror and ordinary crime becomes clear during the change of regimes, in which former terrorists become well-regarded representatives of their country.
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Today's Islamic fundamentalism is also a cover for political motifs. We should not overlook the political motifs we encounter in forms of religious fanaticism
Jurgen HabermasRead
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