There are no “rear lines” anymore — places where democratic societies can be safe, making it vital for societies like the US and India to collaborate in waging “the long twilight struggle” against terrorism. Whether shopping in New Delhi or walking the streets of New York, taking the Underground in London or sun-bathing on the beaches of Bali, terrorists can strike anywhere, anytime.

The “war against terror” is a “misnomer”, said former US Secretary of Defence William S. Cohen, because it is not possible to wage war against an unknown, unseen individual or entity. While the United States is probably “safer than it was” four years ago, when 9/11 happened, it is “still not safe”.

Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit on Tuesday on the ‘Perils and Promise of a New World’, Cohen said a three-pronged strategy the US had adopted was required to make the world more secure.

Conventional deterrence does not work against terrorists who are, by definition, shadowy and cannot be directly attacked. Hence, the need to build defences through intelligence sharing and preparing ahead for contingencies (like possible nuclear or biological WMDs falling into the hands of terrorists).

Finally, to defeat and destroy the enemy, defensive action is not enough and pre-emptive, offensive action could be required. Admitting that the “offensive” war in Iraq was losing support, Cohen said the key challenge for democratic societies is how to reconcile the state’s ability to provide security with the individual’s right to privacy.

“Very excited” about the burgeoning relationship between India and the United States, Cohen said the “world has become a small ball spinning on the finger of science.”

While technology has helped shrink the world, similar technology in the hands of terrorists poses the greatest threat to peace. Another key challenge to ensuring a better future is to reconcile continuity with change, while trying to end the “disconnect” that makes disaffected people to turn to terrorist causes.