Counterterrorism Strategy Research Articles

COUNTERTERRORISM SECURITY OF THE STATE IN THE CURRENT CONTEXT

The article analyzes previous research and highlights the features of the counterterrorism security of the state as a component of the national security system.
 The article aims at identifying problems with ensuring counterterrorism security during the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine, analyzing Ukrainian legislation in this area, and outlining the ways of forming the counterterrorism security system of the state in the current context.
 The biggest terrorist threat to Ukraine is the large-scale armed aggression by the Russian Federation and the hybrid war, which aims not only to occupy certain territories of Ukraine but also to completely eliminate Ukrainian statehood. This war widely employs terrorist methods including the intimidation and killing of civilians, the use of powerful weapons against populated areas, and the destruction of critical civilian infrastructure.
 The problems above call for a comprehensive reconsideration of the counterterrorism security of the state, given the need to significantly enhance the protection of possible sites of terrorist attacks and to fulfill the tasks of implementing the national security priorities under the 2020 National Security Strategy of Ukraine Human Security Equals the Country’s Security.
 The perpetration of terrorist acts by the Russian Federation against the national critical infrastructure has become a striking challenge for Ukraine, the consequences of which are difficult to overestimate. During the armed aggression, the Ukrainian state has been confronted with new types of terrorist activities, in particular, psychological and nuclear terrorism. All this requires strengthening the counterterrorism capacities for protecting critical infrastructure and other targets of terrorist attacks, primarily through practical and research-based approaches to the counterterrorism security of the state.
 Based on the results of the study, the authors conclude that there is a need to significantly enhance the institutional strengthening of the national counterterrorism system and to revise Ukrainian legislation in this area. The article outlines interrelations between counterterrorism security and other components within the national security system of Ukraine, including security of the state, military security and defense, public security, cybersecurity, nuclear and radiation security, etc. The authors propose to establish an effective system of counterterrorism security of the state, primarily with respect to improving its legislative basis, which calls for the development of the Counterterrorism Strategy in Ukraine that would become the foundation of state policy in countering terrorism.

Response of Kenya Security Forces to Terrorist Attacks in the Post-Westgate Period.

The article describes how Kenya, through its security forces, responded to significant terrorist attacks carried out by terrorist organization Al-Shabaab on the territory of Kenya alongside how those attacks contributed to the development of counter-terrorism measures. The measures are analyzed from a legislative, technical and security point of view. The article is based on a conceptual analysis of P.C. Sederberg, combined with the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and argues that three significant terrorist attacks on Westgate in 2013, Garissa in 2015 and Dusit D2 in 2019 were key factors of the development and adoption of complex counter-terrorism measures. Those measures were based on the adoption of appropriate laws, development of the institutional structure and implementation of military and police counter-terrorism measures. However, changes were gradual, reactive instead of proactive. The country has learned to build the state’s capacity to combat terrorism but struggled with conflict prevention and respect for the rule of law. It succeeded with a build-up of counter-terrorism security forces able to respond effectively and on time. But, finding and eliminating the causes of the conflict, they were far behind. All three significant terrorist attacks showed the need for an appropriate combination of counter-terrorism measures. They cannot be put in use separately, otherwise, it can lead to unintended results.

From Lords of Corruption to Leeches of Theo-mafia: The Suffering of the People in Somalia

This paper presents comprehensive strategies for combating corruption and countering terrorism in the context of Somalia's aspiration for peace, democracy, and prosperity. Acknowledging the interconnectedness of these challenges, the strategies offer a multi-dimensional approach tailored to Somalia's unique circumstances. 
 The anti-corruption strategy focuses on strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and instigating a cultural shift away from corrupt practices. It also underscores responsible lending and the pursuit of total debt relief to enable economically productive projects.
 The counter-terrorism strategy adopts a holistic approach, combining military actions with economic incentives, ideological reorientation, and rehabilitation. It emphasizes community-centered collaborations, religious engagement, and reintegration programs for former combatants. These strategies are designed to guide policymakers, academia, and stakeholders in shaping Somalia's trajectory towards a more just, secure, and prosperous future.

The Phenomenon of the Terrorist State in Contemporary Geopolitics: Attributive, Static, and Dynamic Characteristics

The full-scale incursion by Russia into Ukraine in February 2022 starkly revealed the aggressive, manipulative, and deceitful nature of the Russian autocracy. This action effectively employed state terrorism and led to Russia being labeled as a terrorist state. This article undertakes a thorough examination of the emerging geopolitical concept known as the “terrorist state” within the broader context of the evolution and hybridization of terrorism. The authors employ a conceptual analysis of the “terrorist state” as a manifestation of destructive aggression, utilizing the instrumental axes methodology. They delve into the distinctive characteristics of state-sponsored terrorism and explore the static structural and dynamic processes leading an autocracy toward the designation of a terrorist state. In this discourse, the authors highlight the pressing necessity to broaden the research perspectives within the realms of terrorism theory and praxeology by introducing the novel concept of a “terrorist state” into the normative framework of international law and counter-terrorism strategies. This research holds significant practical relevance amid contemporary geopolitical tensions, providing a scholarly basis for proactive policies aimed at addressing autocratic dictatorships that challenge the global security apparatus. Additionally, it underscores the importance of strategic isolation measures directed at terrorist states.

Non State Actors and International Conflicts: A Study of ISIS and Boko Haram

This paper examined the role of non-state actors in international terrorism with special emphasis on ISIS and Boko Haram as cases under review. The paper examined the complex and evolving roles of non-state actors, specifically ISIS and Boko Haram, in international conflicts. It delves into issues surrounding recruitment, radicalization, transnational impact, and responses by states and international community. By investigating these aspects, the study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by these groups and inform more effective counterterrorism strategies and policies. The research questions that guided this study are, how do non-state actors contribute to local and international conflict, and what are the implications for global security? The research objective was to analyze the strategies employed by these two groups to achieve their objectives and to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures adopted by the international community to combat their activities. The theoretical framework adopted in this study is the Terrorism and Insurgency theory seeks to explain and understand the use of violence and intimidation by non-state actors to achieve political, ideological or social objectives, with its use of armed struggle against government or occupying force, often involving guerrilla warfare and popular support, with the aim of achieving political change, and sometime independence. The findings of this study revealed that non-state actors like ISIS and Boko Haram pose a significant threat to global security, as they are able to carry out attacks on a global scale and destabilize entire regions. In the light of these findings, this study proposes several recommendations for addressing the threat posed by non-state actors. These include improving intelligence sharing and coordination among states, strengthening legal frameworks to prosecute individuals and groups engaged in terrorism, and addressing the root causes of conflict, including poverty, political instability, and social marginalization. Only by adopting a comprehensive and coordinated approach can the international community effectively combat the threat posed by non-state actors and promote global peace and security.

Countering Terrorism: Sociopsychological and Geopolitical Aspects

This article provides a comprehensive exploration of counterterrorism, focusing on its intricate sociopsychological and geopolitical dimensions. It draws its foundations from a scientific expedition to Egypt conducted in 2021, which forms the basis for understanding the interplay between civilized and uncivilized societies within the realm of political marketing. By analyzing historical precedents and contemporary cases, it elucidates how terrorism has seamlessly integrated into the fabric of global geopolitics, with private entities now adopting tactics previously exclusive to military and intelligence agencies. The central thesis posits that, despite public condemnation of terrorism, most nations are involved in various degrees of these clandestine activities. At the core of this discussion lies the concept of the “Third Force,” illustrating how territories have historically been manipulated into uncivilized territories to further geopolitical agendas. This concept challenges the conventional replication of counterterrorism strategies worldwide. By unveiling these intricate dynamics, this article not only challenges established norms but also offers a thought-provoking framework for comprehending the complexities of terrorism in the contemporary world.

The Sources of Rwandan Military Effectiveness: State Building, Security Assistance and the Cabo Delgado Campaign

Rwanda’s mid 2021 military intervention meaningfully degraded the capability of the jihadist insurgents terrorising northern Mozambique. Rwanda’s early battlefield achievements were due to a combination of factors, including a suitable operational concept and strong infantry skills and combat motivation. These qualities were more a function of institutional history and internal state building, however, than of foreign-provided equipment or training; outside aid helped make the intervention possible but did not instil the critical drivers of Rwandan combat effectiveness. Because similar circumstances do not pertain in Mozambique, the prospects that the Rwandan armed forces can transfer the capability to prosecute a successful counter-insurgency to their Mozambican counterparts are dim. The Cabo Delgado campaign provides only a qualified vindication of American security co-operation and suggests important limits for western counterterrorism strategies predicated on African proxies.

An Economic Perspective on Terrorism and Counterterrorism

ABSTRACT This occasional-series paper offers an economic perspective on the study of terrorism and counterterrorism. At the outset, the paper identifies how the economic perspective enriches terrorism analysis by stressing rational choice of myriad agents (e.g., the terrorist groups, their supporters, and targeted governments) subject to constraints. Game-theoretic strategic rational choice allows allied and adversarial agents to incorporate the responses of others into their interdependent choices. Economists’ theoretical paradigms are judged by their success in predicting agents’ behavior and informing effective policies. Since 9/11, many political scientists, operation researchers, sociologists, and others applied economic methods to their study of terrorism. To illustrate selected applications of the economic approach, the paper considers findings from economic studies on bargaining and making concessions during hostage incidents, judging the effectiveness of counterterrorism strategies, identifying the economic consequences of terrorism, and finding adequate identification strategies in empirical studies. Future directions and some shortcomings of the economic approach complete the study.

Defining the concept of terrorism from the antropological perspective

This article offers a comprehensive exploration of the anthropological study of terrorism, shedding light on the intricate cultural dimensions that shape the motivations, recruitment strategies, and ideologies of terrorist groups and individuals. Drawing upon ethnographic research and a deep understanding of cultural contexts, the authors delve into the lived experiences of those involved in or affected by terrorism, providing valuable insights into the human aspects of this global challenge. The article highlights the importance of an anthropological lens in deciphering the complexities of terrorism, challenging stereotypes, and revealing the diversity of voices and narratives within the realm of violent extremism. The authors emphasize the critical role of anthropology in developing holistic, context-driven approaches to terrorism, elucidating how cultural factors intersect with social dynamics to fuel or counteract radicalization. Furthermore, the article underscores the significance of this interdisciplinary field in informing counterterrorism strategies, as it helps policymakers and security professionals better understand the cultural landscapes in which terrorism thrives. Overall, this article serves as an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking a nuanced and empathetic understanding of terrorism beyond its surface manifestations, contributing to more effective and compassionate responses to this pressing global issue.

Hired guns against terrorism: assessing the use of commercial soldiers in Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy

Hired guns against terrorism: assessing the use of commercial soldiers in Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy

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.

Counterterrorism Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa

In response to the escalating threat of terrorism, counterterrorism policies have been globally implemented. This social and political landscape has raised significant concerns about the impact on human rights fulfillment, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. To elaborate on this problem, this article critically examines the effects of these policies on human rights within the region, mainly by analyzing the legal and institutional frameworks that underpin counterterrorism strategies in various Sub-Saharan countries. Utilizing a qualitative research design, this study employs content analysis of legal documents, policy reports, and other relevant texts to explore the interplay between counterterrorism efforts and the protection of human rights. The study specifically evaluates the impact of these policies on civil and political rights, economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as the right to privacy. It also addresses states' challenges in balancing social security needs with protecting human rights. The paper argues that while counterterrorism is necessary, it must be implemented in a manner that respects human rights and the rule of law. Therefore, the paper recommends that states adopt a human rights-centered approach as a counterterrorism strategy, ensuring that legal and institutional frameworks align with international human rights standards. This approach offers a hopeful path forward, promising both effective counterterrorism and the protection of human rights. Keywords: Counterterrorism, human rights, Policies, Sub-Saharan Africa

Strengthening an integrated risk management approach to counter terrorism: Incorporating security, game theory, and economic diversification

This paper looks at the in-depth investigation into improving risk management tactics against terrorism using a multifaceted strategy that incorporates security measures, game theory concepts, and economic diversity. The goal of the study is to provide a comprehensive and strong framework that tackles both immediate security issues and long-term viable counterterrorism strategies in Nigeria. To find vulnerabilities and anticipate future threats, the integration of security measures include improving intelligence collecting, international cooperation, and border restrictions. By incorporating game theory ideas, it is possible to analyse the tactical exchanges between security forces and terrorists, providing insights into how the opposition makes decisions and allowing for the deployment of preventive measures. The use of the two-person zero sum game, the prisoner’s dilemma which depicts the Nash Equilibrium named after the Nobel Laureate economist John Nash were used in explaining how the various terrorists attack can be curbed. Different strategies were also applied so as to enable one understand how the terrorists think, possibly attack their victims and also how their network works. The study discovered that the terrorists attack mainly the communities that produce agricultural products in commercial quantities which affects the agricultural economic diversification. The study also highlights the importance of economic diversification as a key element in mitigating terrorism's underlying causes. By encouraging economic expansion and development in fragile and volatile areas, this study also promotes economic growth, discouraging the extremist ideologies and strengthening local communities in Nigeria as a whole.

New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Strategy For Build Positive Peace To Support National Security

This research is discusses the counter-terrorism strategies implemented by the New Zealand government following several terrorist attacks, including the Christchurch shooting (2019) and the Dunedin and Auckland stabbings (2021). Using Arthur Lyyke's strategy theory (2008), this study analyzes the means, ways, resources, and risk considerations inherent to effective counter-terrorism strategies. The study applies the counter-terrorism approach proposed by Jones & Libicki (2008), which divides counter-terrorism strategies into three categories: military deployment approach, police and intelligence approach, and policy approach. Through qualitative research with an analytical-descriptive approach, the study finds that the New Zealand government's counter-terrorism strategy comprises of two main approaches: the police and intelligence approach and the policy approach. The government's "no face no name" policy aims to deny terrorists any platform for recognition, while amendments to firearm possession laws and counter-terrorism legislation proposed by the prime minister facilitate the police's ability to restrict terrorist activities. These initiatives intend to foster positive peace and support national security.

Extremist organizations and online platforms: a systematic literature review

Strategies of propaganda dissemination by foreign and domestic terrorist organizations have been adapting to the constant growth of technology and social networks. This systematic literature review seeks to analyze a sample of recent studies examining the communication methods and strategies used by violent extremist organizations (VEOs) to communicate online. Articles selected met the following criteria: (1) academic/scholarly journal source; (2) published between 2010 and 2022; (3) U.S.-based if discussing domestic extremism; and (4) included a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method study. Using a 12-part coding scheme, 105 articles were coded to address three research questions about the coverage of extremist groups, propaganda dissemination platforms, and relevant theory. The results of this review can be utilized in future research to either duplicate/expand upon findings or explore uncharted territory. Ultimately, more research developing comprehension of the inner workings of extremist organizations paves the way for a more effective counterterrorism strategy.

Articulating Syrian women refugees’ education in an age of uncertainty

Political conflicts propelled a wave of refugees that are seen as a force that threatens the stability of the UK and Western Europe. It has left many refugees bewildered and vulnerable in a transition to a new land, which may or may not cater to their cultural, religious, ethnic, and social needs. This paper examines the role of adult education in the lives of Syrian women and education’s ability to bridge the gap between cultures. We posit that education serves as a tool of self-expression and integration for Syrian women refugees in their adopted communities. Using a feminist life history method, the stories of three Syrian women will be discussed. In doing so, we revisit the definition of ‘refugees’ and ‘immigrants’ as posited by various scholars to shed light on the crisis and how it has risen from a counter-terrorism strategy in the UK and reveal the implications that this has had over the past years on the British education system.

Managing Terrorism in Democracies

Abstract: Democratic countries have long dealt with the challenge of terrorism. I discuss the challenges associated with how democracies can manage terrorist violence. I outline what terrorism is and is not and why this matters in understanding how to manage and mitigate terrorism's impacts on democratic countries. Next, I discuss terrorism in democracies like the United States and France and show the reasons why citizens should be concerned and practical in the ways our countries respond to terrorism. Importantly, I discuss the perceived existential threat of terrorism for democracy and argue why this largely overblown. Briefly, I outline the major reasons why scholars think terrorism occurs and how this should link to our policy responses. In the conclusion, I argue that counterterrorism strategies should directly follow from the reasons why we think terrorism happens and why I think this should be a central concern for analysts.

Women As a Legitimacy-Building Tool in US Foreign Policy: The Case of Women’s Protection Units (YPJ)

Studies regarding women in the US foreign policy mainly concentrate on the place of women with a particular attention to institutions that play a significant role in the foreign policy making process such as Congress, State Department and National Security Council. They analyze the roles, positions and responsibilities of women in the foreign policy-making through gender-based approaches. While roles or influence of women in policy-making process is quite an important topic, there is also a raising question whether women might find a place themselves as a legitimacy-building tool in the US foreign policy or in which circumstances women could have a place in the US foreign policy agenda. This article purposes to investigate why a militarist Kurdish women organization, the YPJ (Yekineyen Parastina Jin, Women’s Protection Units) can find a place for itself in the US foreign policy agenda. Data has been collected through the textual content analysis of mainstream newspapers, the Washington Post, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, and the pieces of US think-tanks with regard to its counterterrorism strategy against ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham) in addition to the related media outlets and academic literature over the topic. The article argues that US administrations have used the YPJ as a legitimacy tool for their counter-ISIS strategy in Syria by locating it in the broader policy objective, the democracy promotion in the Middle East. The article indicates that US administrations have worked with ground partners like the YPJ and YPG (Yekineyen Parastina Gel, People’s Protection Units) in the context of a military-based and security-prioritized alliance instead of having an external military intervention. Although there have been ideological differences between US administrations and the YPJ, the images of women as heroes/warriors that bravely fight ISIS have helped the US to overcome ideological differences and utilize the YPJ for legitimizing its counter-ISIS strategy and policy objectives in Syria.

Regional Securitization of the ISIS in the Southeast Asian Counter-Terrorism Strategies for the Post-ISIS Era

In 2017, the United States of America declared the defeat of the ISIS's core territory. Since then, many analysts have argued that the group would threaten the security of several Southeast Asia regions. However, other analysts argued that the threat to the Southeast Asian (SEA) regions should not be exaggerated since it is not serious or critical. This raised the question of alternative regions for its thought and activists. This article critically analyzes the ISIS terrorist threats to SEA regional security in the post-ISIS era. It identifies the key challenges facing the SEA regional counter-terrorism strategies amid the new developments. A qualitative research approach has been adopted with thematic analysis methods in this article. Moreover, the Copenhagen schools' securitization and regional security complex theories have been used as a theoretical framework. Results show that to increase the states and community capacity to deal with this top non-traditional security threat, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its member states continually adopt various initiatives, programs, policies, and strategies.

Armed Conflicts With Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State: The Role of Repression and State Capacity

What explains the emergence of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State as parties in civil wars? This study provides the first large-N analysis of this question, studying a sample of states in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, 2003–2020, contributing to ongoing debates among peace and conflict scholars about jihadist rebels in civil war. Theoretically, it is argued that higher levels of state repression and states’ military capabilities should impact the preferences of local groups and increase the likelihood of a ‘transnationalization’. On the other hand, it is hypothesized that increases in bureaucratic state capacity should reduce the risk of such transnationalization. A series of penalized logistic regressions yield support for the hypotheses regarding state repression and bureaucratic capacity, but not military state capacity. The findings point towards the importance of bureaucratic capacity building as well as the potentially adverse consequences of excessively repressive counterterrorism strategies.