Counterterrorism Cooperation Research Articles

Assessing the impact of U.S. economic aid and military support on the strategic dynamics of Pakistan’s foreign policy: a study of diplomatic relations and public sentiment

The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach to address a gap in the existing literature by investigating the impact of U.S. economic assistance, shifts in U.S. military backing, diplomatic disagreements, and public opinion on Pakistan’s foreign policy decisions. Previously, there was a focus on isolated aspects of this relationship, such as economic or military factors. The regression results indicate that U.S. economic aid (− 0.46, p < 0.001) and diplomatic disputes (− 0.31, p < 0.025) have a negative impact on Pakistan’s foreign policy decision-making, whereas changes in U.S. military support (0.25, p < 0.013) positively influence it. The results imply a negative impact of U.S. economic aid, indicating that Pakistan’s policy autonomy is limited due to increased economic dependence. On the other hand, modifications to U.S. military assistance demonstrate a noteworthy positive impact, indicating that increased military collaboration supports assertive policy initiatives. Qualitative results show that Pakistan views the alignment with the U.S. as a way to get financial, military, and diplomatic support from the U.S., enhancing its influence and strategic position in the area. Financial considerations, such as maintaining trade advantages and receiving financial backing from the U.S., influence Pakistan’s decisions about its foreign policy. Pakistan would have to reassess its strategic priorities if U.S. economic aid was cut back or modified. Conditionality allows the United States to achieve certain policy objectives, like counterterrorism cooperation, human rights reforms, and regional stability, by linking aid to desired outcomes. The validity of dependency theory and military support’s effect on asymmetric coalitions illuminate bilateral power dynamics. The research suggests bilateral frameworks, varied economic partnerships, and increased military cooperation to decrease dependency and boost policy autonomy. The findings illustrate aid-politics dynamics by integrating quantitative and qualitative data and contributing to foreign policy analysis literature.

Post-Cold War Relations Between India and Bangladesh: A Study of Cooperations and Conflicts

Post-Cold War relations between India and Bangladesh have been marked by both cooperations and conflicts, determined by historical legacies, regional dynamics, and shifting national interests. This article looks at the important areas of collaboration, such as economic, trade partnerships, water-sharing agreements, security and counterterrorism cooperation, and cultural exchanges, all of which have helped to strengthen bilateral relations. However, obstacles remain in the form of border issues, particularly those involving illegal immigration and border security, the unresolved Teesta River water-sharing issue, and tensions caused by the Rohingya refugee crisis and the rise of religious fundamentalism. Additionally, China’s expanding influence in Bangladesh which is under regime change leading to Sheikh Hasina’s asylum in India, has complicated the bilateral relationship. Despite these difficulties, India and Bangladesh have shown perseverance in sustaining talks, attempting to strike a balance between regional stability and their own national interests. This article investigates how cooperation and conflict have affected the trajectory of post-Cold War relations between India and Bangladesh. It provides insights into the strategic bilateral partnership and its future prospects.

Power, governance, and coordination in the prevention of violent extremism and terrorism: towards multi-agency counterterrorism?

ABSTRACT Multi-agency collaboration has been identified in previous studies as a key strategy for early intervention in violent extremism. However, little focus has captured the institutional framework that allows or impedes cooperation in counterterrorism and P/CVE. This article investigates the reasons behind the differences in the approach to counterterrorism and P/CVE among security, social, and health workers in France and Spain. While the topic is extensively studied in some countries, in others, like the relevant cases of France and Spain, the institutional development and diffusion process of multi-agency collaboration remains unclear. The article highlights how two countries that were not aligned with multi-agency collaboration implemented these policies and institutional structuring in P/CVE and counterterrorism. In this context, two distinct approaches to countering violence (security and social-health logic) emerge. However, security measures are still predominant. Finally, the article identifies trust and interpersonal relations as crucial factors in developing preventive counterterrorism and multi-agency collaboration. Here, we can include the role played by academia and RAN in the diffusion from the EU and other countries to France and Spain. In these and other institutionalised spaces, the different actors share visions, and problems, and create professional relationships beyond the specific meeting and over time.

The Significance of Indonesia-Malaysia Gendered Counterterrorism Cooperation: Challenges and Opportunities

This paper examines the significance of gendered counterterrorism cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia. The rising threat of female terrorism in both countries underscores the urgent need for a gendered approach to counterterrorism efforts. This research uses a qualitative approach by conducting in-depth interviews with government officials, civil society organisations, and former female ISIS sympathisers. This article is divided into explanations in the form of a significant gap in existing counterterrorism strategies, particularly regarding gender and explains the gender exploitation of female ISIS sympathisers. The findings underscore the urgent need for a gender-sensitive approach to address the root causes of female involvement in terrorism effectively and to prevent future radicalisation. In conclusion, the findings also highlight the potential of gender-based analysis to inform the development of more effective counterterrorism strategies that can be applied in the case of Indonesia and Malaysia.

Anti-Terrorism Cooperation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

In the 13 years since its founding, the SCO has always focused on counter-terrorism, both for its own organizational role and for the reasons of its member states. The SCO has always achieved remarkable results in counter-terrorism work, which has shown the world its strength. However, as the organization continues to expand, the SCO also faces significant challenges in counter-terrorism cooperation due to inherent problems among its members and the identification of specific concepts.

“We Have Successfully Neutralised an Attack”—Historical Case Studies in Terrorism Prevention Through Cooperation

ABSTRACT While there is a large body of literature concerned with understanding terrorist attacks and the reasons for why they could not be prevented, this article looks at it from the opposite side: why could terrorist attacks successfully be prevented and what role did intelligence-sharing play? The article analyses three historical cases in depth based on extensive archival records from 18 intelligence agencies. This article traces how intelligence-sharing worked by highlighting the hands-on experiences of intelligence practitioners. The contribution of this article is twofold. First, the article shows how intelligence officers managed to establish successful and effective counterterrorism cooperation in the early 1970s. Second, through the eyes of intelligence reports the article presents new insights about terrorist tactics and terrorism innovation at the time. This included the use of women in terrorist plots and car sales as cover business for terrorism financing. The article concentrates on a peak moment in European terrorism history: it analyses early 1970s Black September attacks and the efforts of intelligence agencies to counter them.

Counterterrorism in the Lake Chad Region: An analysis of the fragmented efforts in Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram

While the need for securitisation and counterterrorism cooperation among states is consistently re-echoed in the previous studies on security, the role (or complicity) of the neo-liberal state in distorting and undermining these arrangements has been neglected. The objective of this article is to examine how state actors are implicated in the weakening of counterterrorism engagements in the Lake Chad region. Based on qualitative methods of data collection and analysis, the study identified three thresholds of state complicity undermining the fight against Boko Haram: (i) information compromise (ii) amnesty programme complicity (rehabilitation of Boko Haram members) and (iii) intelligence complicity. These are primarily underpinned by the rehabilitation of ‘unrepentant’ Boko Haram terrorists, fragmentation of military institutions, and complicity in cross-border arms movements. These acts do not only undermine internal peace and security but also perpetuate transnational terrorism in the Lake Chad region. The article, therefore, recommends a new peace agenda hinged on a hybrid of regional partnership on peace education and security cooperation.

The Mali-France Counterterrorism Cooperation: The Influence of Mali’s National Identity Change on Its Foreign Policy Making

Mali telah mengalami ketidakstabilan politik dan keamanan yang menyebabkan konflik terorisme yang parah sejak tahun 2012. Dalam upaya war against terrorism, Mali bekerja sama dengan Prancis untuk meningkatkan stabilitas keamanan dan eradikasi sel-sel teroris. Namun setelah hampir sepuluh tahun, Prancis menarik pasukannya dari Mali akibat tidak kooperatifnya Mali dengan puncaknya pada pemutusan kerja sama keamanan yang ditandatangani tahun 2014. Penelitian ini menelaah terkait pertanyaan mengapa Mali mengambil kebijakan yang berisiko pada kontra produktifnya war against terrorism Mali. Peneliti menganalisis fenomena ini menggunakan konsep source of change dan teori aspirational constructivism. Dengan menggunakan studi pustaka dan analisis data, penulis menyimpulkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh perubahan identitas nasional Mali dari nasionalisme berbasis etno-politis (Mande) menjadi nasionalisme berbasis kolonial melalui uji historisis dan rasional. Identitas ini muncul setelah konstruksi elite berdasarkan aspirasi historisis komunal dari pengalaman kolonialisme yang dilakukan oleh Prancis di wilayah Mali. Berdasarkan fakta tersebut, dapat diketahui bahwa terjadi pergeseran orientasi kerja sama keamanan Mali dari Prancis yang diperkuat oleh bukti berupa penghentian kerja sama keamanan tahun 2014 pada tahun 2022. Kata-kata Kunci: Identitas; Nasionalisme; Kolonial; Mali; Prancis Mali has experienced political and security instability which has led to a severe terrorist conflict since 2012. In an effort to war against terrorism, Mali has collaborated with France to increase security stability and eradicate terrorist cells. However, after nearly ten years, France withdrew its troops from Mali as a result of Mali's non-cooperation, with the culmination of the termination of the security cooperation signed in 2014. This research examines why Mali has pursued a risky policy that proves counterproductive in its war against terrorism. The author uses the concept of the source of change and the theory of aspirational constructivism. By using literature study and data analysis employing historicist and rational tests, the author concludes that there is an influence of Mali's national identity changes from ethno-political nationalism (Mande) to colonial-based nationalism. This identity arose after the construction of the elite based on the communal historicist aspirations of the colonialism experience which carried out by the French in Mali. Based on this fact, we can see there has been a shift in the orientation of Mali's security cooperation away from France, evidenced by the termination of 2014 security cooperation in 2022. Keywords: Identity; Nationalism; Colonial; Mali; France

United States – Kenyan Asymmetry in Counterterrorism Cooperation: An Assessment of the Efforts of the United States and Kenya in East Africa

On 11 September 2001, the world witnessed a drastic change in the global security landscape that influenced the dynamics of United States counterterrorism. The United States expanded its global alliances, including its financial assistance and cooperation scope, in East Africa as well. A fundamental transformation in the United States Defence Foreign Policy towards Africa was marked by a growing reliance by the United States on African partners, such as Kenya. Despite visible power disparities between the United States and Kenyan asymmetric relations, the two states set an unmatched counterterrorism partnership in East Africa – even with the growing criticism of the United States militarisation in some parts of Africa, such as in the Sahel region, which remains prone to coups despite enduring counterterrorism interventions by the United States. What is particularly interesting is how the asymmetric relations between the United States and Kenya enhanced a stable and multidimensional implementation of counterterrorism in East Africa. The dynamics of these asymmetric relations on counterterrorism demystify the perception that asymmetric relations between powerful and weak states are inherently unstable. Employing secondary data, the study on which this article reports, sought to deconstruct such rhetoric by conceptualising asymmetry whilst identifying five main conceptualisations of asymmetry theory that characterises the asymmetric relations between the United States and Kenya. Thereafter, by taking stock of the multidimensional efforts by the United States and Kenya, it is argued that triangular asymmetries are the significant force multipliers of stability and normalcy in asymmetric relations.

India Counterterrorism: India and Pakistan's Lack of Cooperation in Fighting Lashar e-Taiba after Mumbai Attacks 2008

Following the 2008 Mumbai Attacks, India refrained from engaging in counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan, the origin country of Lashkar e-Taiba (LeT), marking a significant departure from previous approaches. This study investigates the factors influencing India's decision through the lens of the Prisoner's Dilemma Theory. By examining India's strategic calculations and contextualizing them within the security dilemma framework post-Mumbai terror, this research aims to elucidate the rationale behind India's non-cooperative stance. Results reveal a complex interplay of historical distrust, perceived security threats, and strategic considerations shaping India's decision-making, highlighting the implications for future counter-terrorism efforts and international relations strategies.

Is international cooperation effective in combating terrorism? Evidence from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

ABSTRACT Previous studies have theoretically demonstrated that international counter-terrorism cooperation can effectively combat terrorism and maintain regional stability and development. However, due to the limited availability of data, most studies lack empirical analysis. We employ differences-in-differences models to investigate whether the counter-terrorism cooperation actions of Shanghai Cooperation Organization can effectively inhibit the development of terrorism in member countries. We find that after the official launch of the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the number of terrorist activities in member countries decreased by 59.8% compared to other Belt and Road countries, and the number of casualties caused by terrorist activities decreased by 42.7%. Mechanism tests show that the breeding ground for terrorism can be eradicated by improving political governance and promoting economic development in member countries. In the context of counter-terrorism, apart from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, both the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union contribute to the reduction of terrorist attacks among their member states. We believe that by seeking international counter-terrorism cooperation based on common security interests, and actively utilizing a flexible and diverse range of counter-terrorism measures, we can curb the development of terrorism.

Evolving dynamics of China-Pakistan counter-terrorism cooperation

ABSTRACT Counter-terrorism cooperation is a crucial aspect of China-Pakistan bilateral security relationship. Originating from a shared understanding of the threat of Uygur separatism facing China, it has encompassed the TTP and Baloch militants targeting CPEC projects and Chinese nationals in Pakistan. However, with Beijing’s growing economic influence in Pakistan after the BRI and the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the dynamics of counter-terrorism cooperation have transformed in two ways. Firstly, Pakistan’s regional influence has diminished and Beijing no longer relies solely on Islamabad for safeguarding its interests vis-à-vis regional terrorism. Secondly, this relationship shows a dynamic of its own, largely independent of the India-factor.

The sense of nations for cooperation. How threat perception and ideology influence counterterrorism cooperation between EU members

ABSTRACT Which factors influence bilateral counterterrorism (CT) cooperation between EU Member States? Although scholars have studied European CT, the question still needs to be answered. This paper addresses the issue by introducing a new theoretical framework that combines CT and Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) literature. As citizens’ threat perception increases, governments are pressed to act. Overall, centrist cabinets tend to rely more on cooperation agreements; likewise, pushed by threat perception, left-wing executives also recourse to international cooperation. I tested this framework on a newly collected dataset, which comprehends bilateral CT agreements signed among EU Members from 2002 to 2017. As such, this paper fosters studies on EU CT, focusing on a less debated issue: bilateral cooperation between EU Member States. The results support the initial hypotheses, disclosing a robust influence of threat perception and cabinet ideology on the number of bilateral CT agreements signed. Furthermore, they show that the perception of the threat is more influential on cooperation than the actual impact of terrorism.

TERRORISM, TRUST, AND TURMOIL: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF US-PAKISTAN COUNTER-TERRORISM COOPERATION

This study critically examines the complications of US-Pakistan counterterrorism cooperation, focusing on the intricate balance between shared security objectives and the persistent trust deficits that have shaped this bilateral partnership. The analysis investigates the evolving nature of the bilateral relationship, highlighting important developments such as the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the resurgence of terrorist groups, and the impact of shifting geopolitical priorities on counterterrorism strategies. The study also explores the challenges that have strained cooperation, including allegations of Pakistan’s selective counterterrorism efforts and US concerns over sovereignty issues, particularly regarding drone strikes. Through this lens, the paper provides insights into the successes, failures, and prospects of US-Pakistan collaboration in countering terrorism, emphasizing the need for renewed trust and diplomatic engagement to address emerging security threats in the region.

THE FAILURE OF ASEAN COUNTER-TERRORISM COOPERATION IN PREVENTING THE ARRIVAL OF FOREIGN TERRORIST FIGHTERS IN THE MARAWI CONFLICT

This article examined the elements that contributed to ASEAN counter-terrorism cooperation's failure to prevent the presence of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) in the Marawi conflict in 2017. The massive ISIS propaganda resulted in an increase in FTF mobilization from several countries to unite the Abu Sayyaf and Maute groups in taking control of Marawi City. This study used a qualitative method and deductive analysis technique by compiling relevant literature on ASEAN's cooperation in counter-terrorism, the FTF problem, and the Marawi conflict. This article would discuss the dynamics of ASEAN cooperation in combating terrorism and the unpreparedness in anticipating the involvement of FTFs in the Marawi conflict. This paper argued that ASEAN counter-terrorism cooperation within the framework of the Convention on Combating Terrorism (ACCT) was ineffective in addressing the presence of FTFs since it did not convert to the practical level and appears to be simply ceremonial. This weakness should encourage ASEAN member nations to reorganize the focus of counter-terrorism cooperation and implement appropriate measures, such as intelligence sharing, border surveillance, prevention of terror financing, and counter-propaganda of terrorists on social media.

Analisis Penerapan Kerjasama Penanganan Terorisme Antara Indonesia Dan United Kingdom dengan Pendekatan Strategi 4 Pilar Kontra Terorisme

Terrorism is a transnational crime that endangers world peace and security. The terrorist danger is imminent in Indonesia and the United Kingdom. One of the efforts to counter terrorism is by establishing international cooperation. The latest counter-terror cooperation carried out by BNPT is with The Homeland Security Mission of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. As a new collaboration, more in-depth studies are needed regarding the implementation of this work. Therefore, researchers conducted research related to the Implementation of BNPT RI Counter Terrorism Cooperation with The United Kingdom. The theory used is neoliberal institutional theory and the concept of counter terrorism. The concept of counterterrorism as defined by the United Kingdom CONTEST document in 2018 is utilized in this study to examine the research topic. The concept consists of four strategic pillars namely prevent, protect, prepare and pursue. The researcher’s finding confirmed that the collaboration was conducted in accordance with the agreement. The forms of activities that have been implemented are Joint Working Groups, visits to the Royal College of Defense Studies, Expert Group Meetings on Prevention of the Terrorist Use of the Internet and Joint Overseas Protect and Prepare Representative Meetings. The implementation of partnership to combat terrorism in line with the four pillars of the counter-terrorism framework namely prevent, protect, prepare, and pursue.

THE USA AND RUSSIA POLITICAL RELATIONSHIP AFTER THE 9/11 ATTACK

The worldwide 9/11 attack on September 11, 2001, had a massive impact on many countries’ security concerns. The incident significantly influenced the development of several government laws for regional and domestic policies against the danger of terrorism. The event signaled massive cooperation of powerful states to fight against global terrorism. This review determines the political impact of the 9/11 attack on the USA-Russia relationship in the aftermath of the attack. This work enables us to grasp how a global phenomenon influences states’ relationships with one another. The result found out that Russia and the USA developed close cooperation in counter-terrorism after the 9/11 incident. Russia saw the 9/11 attack as an opportunity to advance its foreign policy and develop a better relationship with the USA. The aftermath brought Russia and the USA long-term plans and cooperative actions to enhance regional security issues. However, their cooperation was limited and did not result in further diplomatic negotiation.

International Counter Terrorism Cooperation Efforts in Handling the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM)

International Counter Terrorism Cooperation Efforts in Handling the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM)

Counterterrorism Cooperation Strategy Of The National Counterterrorism Agency With The Ministry Of Defense In Tackling Female Terrorists In Indonesia

The relationship between women and terrorism has undergone a significant shift in perspective. Initially, women were associated with being victims of terrorism, but now they play a role in various activities within terrorism. As a result, the burden of rehabilitating female terrorist inmates is disproportionately placed on correctional institutions. Therefore, National Counterterrorism Agency recognizes the importance of implementing mitigation, prevention, and deradicalization programs to have a more effective impact. This study uses qualitative research methods, including interviews and document analysis, and data validation through triangulation. The aim of this research is to examine the implementation, inhibiting and supporting factors, as well as the cooperation strategy between National Counterterrorism Agency and the Ministry of Defense in countering female terrorism in Indonesia. The results of this research first show the implementation of national defense in combating female terrorism in Indonesia through the implementation of the National Defense Awareness Program and increasing cooperation with local governments, TNI, Polri, and other parties. Second, regulatory obstacles are the inhibiting factor, while the supporting factor is the collaboration and coordination with relevant institutions to facilitate the handling of female terrorism in Indonesia. Third, the cooperation strategy of deradicalization between National Counterterrorism Agency and the Ministry of Defense prepares and anticipates potential terrorist threats that can endanger national security, public safety, state sovereignty, and the integrity of all regions of Indonesia..

Efficacy of counter-terrorism cooperation

Nigeria has struggled to combat terrorism for over a decade despite its domestic strategies and multilateral cooperation with its contiguous neighbors and bilateral assistance from several superpowers, especially the United States. This has resulted in the death of many innocent people and the displacement of others. There is no doubt that alliance formation is considered a needed panacea for thwarting terrorism. Despite the cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, the growth of terrorism in Nigeria has not been reversed. However, the task of finding the answer to why Nigeria–US counter-terrorism cooperation has not achieved the desired objective in Nigeria remains an imperative for this article to grapple with. Thus, the study concludes that for Nigeria–US counter-terrorism cooperation to be efficacious, both countries need to deepen their bilateral engagements devoid of politicization of assistance and vested interests.