A standard critique of the Bush administration is ‘The War on Terror’ is a misnomer – wars are fought against enemies, not tactics, says Griffith Asia Institute Director Professor Michael Wesley.
Professor Wesley, who will speak at a Griffith Asia Institute Research Seminar on Thursday, October 25, said he was not so sure the critique was accurate.
“On the one hand to have specified an enemy after 9/11 would have been even less effective than the War on Terror,” Professor Wesley said.
“On the other, it is entirely possible to fight against a tactic, or behaviour.
“That’s what law enforcement is all about — targeting behaviours rather than people.”
In his presentation Professor Wesley will argue the history of warfare has been a process of punishing behaviours.
“Globalisation has altered the nature of security challenges in ways that have ‘deterritorialised’ violence,” Professor Wesley said.
“This has demanded changes in the nature of international enforcement which have shifted the norms of modern warfare in important ways.”
During the seminar Professor Wesley will outline these and more.
The Griffith Asia Institute research seminar, Enforcement During the War on Terror, will be held in room N72 -1.18 in the Business 2 Building on Griffith’s Nathan campus, from 12.30pm — 1.50pm. RSVP to Kathy Bailey on 07 3735 3730 or [email protected]