Diplomacy from below, international terrorism and...

Notes: International terrorism in a form of diplomacy conducted "from below".It is not conducted by kings and presidents, but by powerless extremists who choose to bypass traditional channels of diplomacy protocol in order to propagandize their political causes to the world. In light of the recent proliferation of international terrorism, it is useful to analyze the various ways it has affected the conduct of American foreign policy. An examination of the American responses to the Jewish rebels in Palestine (1945-1948) and to the FLN in Algeria (1954-1962) reveals that, although these terrorist compaigns may have appeared reprehensible and morally repugnant to many, American diplomacy "from below" can often be as destructive as any act or policy conducted by recognized nations and can be an effective means of promoting political extremism, destabilizing international order, and threatening American interests.