It is not a given that national authorities choose to inform the public about looming terror threats, but when they do, the intentions behind this decision can be manifold. By studying the media coverage and the public debate surrounding the announced terror alert in Norway in 2014, three key intentions can be identified: deterring the alleged terrorists, instructing the public in how to behave, and explaining the subsequent security measures to them.
Bergersen, Stine (2017) Why Communicate Terror Threats to the Public?, PRIO Policy Brief, 5. Oslo: PRIO.