Terrorism and the closure of society: A social-impact projection

A social-impact projection of terrorism in the United States is presented in the ligth of recent conceptual and methodological developments. The projections proper explore the effect of a terrorist climate on: demography,security, and the cost of living, letter and spirit of the law, paramilitary groups, and mental health. It is suggested that the most effective way of halting terrorism rests in the formula of “mass times velocity equals impact.” This entails a swift and massive application of force that leaves society vulnerable to militarization, the possibility of a “garrison state,” and an overall closure of society in general.