The actions of the Fenians in the early to mid-19th century in seeking an independent and united Ireland produced several British legislative provisions that formed special police or security forces and delineated tactics designed to increase the effectiveness of these police in dealing with
terrorists. Mistakes were subsequently made in applying these tactics to any activist reform groups that sought significant change in British society. This experience teaches that terrorists must be clearly defined in any special
legislation intended to target them. Anti-terrorist legislation of the 1970's onwards initially focused on the
activities of terrorists and increased sanctions for distinctively terrorist acts. A second tier of response has involved the interdiction of the finances of sophisticated and organized terrorist groups. The confiscation or forfeiture of resources used to fund terrorist organizations and activities has been incorporated in counter-
terrorism legislation, along with measures to combat money laundering. British legislation has also focused on enhancing Great Britain's involvement in
international efforts against terrorism. Part of this international effort is the waging of an "information
war" that will help mold global attitudes across cultures to ensure that terrorists are viewed as violent opponents of democratic systems and any ideologies that differ from their own. The information war against the fascism that spawned World War II is cited as an example of the importance of information campaigns.
More summaries about the War on Terror--Future Trends