Most national security and intelligence professionals believe the recent terror attacks in Paris were a game changing and defining moment in the world’s war on terror. Madrid, London, and Mumbai, as well as the recent Metrojet and Beirut bombings were all horrific, but Paris was different. The attack on a western capital known for its joie de vivre and carefree lifestyle created a level of anxiety about our everyday surroundings not seen since the tragedy of 9/11.
The anxiety may reduce overall travel in western nations for a short while, but historically, events like Paris do not deter travel for long. Perhaps it’s the “if we change our way of life, the terrorists win” mantra or the belief that traveling in times of heightened security is a show of solidarity with the assaulted nation. No matter the reason, there are some common sense best practices all travelers should follow, post-Paris.
“The Cipher Brief has become the most popular outlet for former intelligence officers; no media outlet is even a close second to The Cipher Brief in terms of the number of articles published by formers.” —Sept. 2018, Studies in Intelligence, Vol. 62
Access all of The Cipher Brief’s national security-focused expert insight by becoming a Cipher Brief Subscriber+ Member.
Subscriber+
