• Convergence Security Journal
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.123-128
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• 2019

In March 2016, the Korean National Assembly passed the Counterterrorism Act called as "Counterterrorism Law for the Protection of the People and Public Safety", and relevant functions and roles of the counterterrorism institution were granted based on the law. However, a number of problems have been raised in the course of the job performance of the counterterrorism related institution, and various improvements have been discussed. This study conducted 'Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)' on the experts to identify the issues related to the improvement possibilities of the counterterrorism system that had been discussed previously. The results of the analysis to improve the current counterterrorism system are as follows. First, the priorities of the top factors were identified as in the order of legal institutions, cooperation, and operational aspect. Next, the priorities of the individual sub-factors were identified as the reorganization of the counterterrorism task force, the organic cooperation of domestic counterterrorism institution, and the cultivation of specialized human resources for anti-terrorism work. It was found that we should discuss the reorganization of counterterrorism institution as a policy consideration to improve the counterterrorism system.

• Korean Security Journal
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• no.26
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• pp.29-58
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• 2011

Since 11 September 2001, warnings of risk in the nexus of terrorism and nuclear weapons and materials which poses one of the gravest threats to the international community have continued. The purpose of this study is to analyze the aim, principles, characteristics, activities, impediments to progress and developmental recommendation of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism(GICNT). In addition, it suggests implications of the GICNT for the ROK policy. International community will need a comprehensive strategy with four key elements to accomplish the GICNT: (1) securing and reducing nuclear stockpiles around the world, (2) countering terrorist nuclear plots, (3) preventing and deterring state transfers of nuclear weapons or materials to terrorists, (4) interdicting nuclear smuggling. Moreover, other steps should be taken to build the needed sense of urgency, including: (1) analysis and assessment through joint threat briefing for real nuclear threat possibility, (2) nuclear terrorism exercises, (3) fast-paced nuclear security reviews, (4) realistic testing of nuclear security performance to defeat insider or outsider threats, (5) preparing shared database of threats and incidents. As for the ROK, main concerns are transfer of North Korea's nuclear weapons, materials and technology to international terror groups and attacks on nuclear facilities and uses of nuclear devices. As the 5th nuclear country, the ROK has strengthened systems of physical protection and nuclear counterterrorism based on the international conventions. In order to comprehensive and effective prevention of nuclear terrorism, the ROK has to strengthen nuclear detection instruments and mobile radiation monitoring system in airports, ports, road networks, and national critical infrastructures. Furthermore, it has to draw up effective crisis management manual and prepare nuclear counterterrorism exercises and operational postures. The fundamental key to the prevention, detection and response to nuclear terrorism which leads to catastrophic impacts is to establish not only domestic law, institution and systems, but also strengthen international cooperation.