Evaluate how the West German state responded to the challenge of the Baader Meinhof Group/Red Army Faction.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the methods used by the West German state against the Baader Meinhof Group/Red Army Faction. Candidates may refer to extensive powers that the police and intelligence forces were given at the time due to the groups’ activities. Candidates may refer to and evaluate the extent to which civil liberties may have been eroded. The Lander lost some of their police powers to federal organisations in order to combat terrorism. Candidates may refer to the formation of a paramilitary anti-terrorist squad that was created called the GSG-9 that used numerous methods. Candidates may refer to the technological innovation of advanced computerization and tracking techniques. Candidates may refer to the impartiality of trials, badgering of defence lawyers and harsh treatment of prisoners. It could be argued that the methods were to some extent successful as the West German state remained stable despite the levels of violence at times.