Effective Counterterrorism Research Articles

“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.

A Bipartite Network Analysis of Terrorism in Nigeria

Nigeria is home to a variety of terror groups, some of which receive little scholarly or media attention, but whose violent attacks cause significant casualties and instability. This analysis uses a bipartite network approach to examine terror groups in Nigeria between 2009 and 2019. We capture substantial variation among terrorist groups by state, target type and attack mode, and consider “unknown” terrorist offenders. Although Boko Haram is the dominant terrorist group, the Fulani extremists, IPOB, and others, are also prominent, with MEND especially active against oil infrastructure and in the Niger Delta region. This research finds that a bipartite network approach is effective for providing a more comprehensive understanding of terrorism dynamics, which is essential for effective counterterrorism policy and analysis.

The Interface between Human Rights and Terrorism: Towards Achieving an Effective Counter-Terrorism Regime

Terrorism has become an emerging challenge to human rights protections today. Although terrorism has been present throughout modern history, international concern against it has become more visible since September 11, 2001. The international community has adopted various instruments on counterterrorism, provisions of which have been incorporated into the domestic laws of different countries. These instruments representing the current counterterrorism regime prioritise national security over other issues including human rights. Therefore, while employing counterterrorism measures states often tend to promote their security at the expense of the lives, liberties, and properties of civilians. To protect the human rights of innocent people against such actions it is crucial to adopt an effective counterterrorism regime. This article explores how states could establish such a regime. It suggests that the proposed regime should be based on the human rights framework. The principles of necessity and proportionality will provide a useful guideline in this respect. Dhaka University Law Journal, Vol. 34(2), 2024 P. 1-23

A Study on the Terrorist State and the Terrorist Movements: A Case Study of Egypt

Researchers have consistently delved into the study of terrorist movements within societies and states, yet few have explored the primary instigators behind their emergence, which is the focus of this research: the State. This study examines the emergence of the most influential terrorist movements, their treatment, and their relationship with the state. By scrutinising the reasons behind the emergence of terrorist movements, this research also discusses strategies to prevent and dismantle them. A critical aspect to note is that many terrorist movements originated within state prisons, underscoring the state's failure to prevent terrorism and inadvertently contributing to its proliferation within society. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective counterterrorism policies and addressing the root causes of terrorism. It also highlights techniques such as decapitation and negotiation, as well as providing emancipation for moderate Islamic movements to play a role and represent the image of Islam. Additionally, terrorist movements often promote their ideology through emotional propaganda to recruit Islamic youths, many of whom come from moderate Islamic movements like the Muslim Brotherhood.

Assessing the role of the United Nations in countering terrorism in Africa: A case study of the Lake Chad Basin

ABSTRACT This study examines the United Nations’ counterterrorism efforts in the Lake Chad Basin (LCB), with a focus on the persistent challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency. Using a critical analysis approach, the research appraises the legal, policy, and empirical dimensions of the UN’s counterterrorism strategies. It delves into the evolution of terrorism in the LCB, the emergence of Boko Haram, and the socio-economic and geopolitical factors contributing to the issue. The study argues that the UN and the Multinational Joint Task Force’s (MNJTF) efforts in the LCB have experienced successes but face challenges like porous borders, weak governance, and complex geography. It contributes to the global terrorism discourse by highlighting the intricate challenges in implementing effective counterterrorism measures in a region with unique political, social, and environmental contexts. The study recommends a multi-pronged strategy that incorporates context-specific conditions, financial disruptions, and eco-security measures. It underscores the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration and sustained global commitment for achieving lasting peace and security in the LCB.

Development of a Monitoring and Visualization Tool for Acts of terrorism in Mindanao, Philippines

Terrorism poses a significant threat to security, and the need for an accurate monitoring visualization tool is essential for effective counterterrorism. However, the unavailability of such a customized tool is still a challenge in Mindanao, Philippines. Therefore, a terrorism visualization tool was developed in this study, covering the years 1975 to 2017. The methodology involved intensive data collection from the Global Terrorism Database and other reliable sources and featured the design development of a visualization tool in the form of a dashboard using Python. Also, regions with high terrorism activities along with major perpetrators have been presented. Findings indicate that Maguindanao yields the highest death frequency, with New People's Army (NPA) as the leading perpetrator as verified by the spatial map projection and overall preliminary prediction. In conclusion, with proper data management and feature selection, the developed tool is found to be highly viable and sufficient for decision-making.

International Terrorism in the Age of Information and Communication Technology

This research delves into the profound impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the globalization of terrorism. The central hypothesis posits that the evolution of ICT has facilitated the spread of terrorist operations across a truly global network. Leveraging Internet technology, individuals can now communicate across borders with ease, privacy, and unprecedented reach. This study specifically explores how terrorist acts are increasingly justified through ICT, examining the threats posed to international peace and security by the utilization of cutting-edge social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter by groups like ISIS. Employing a historical-descriptive approach, the author gathered data from reliable secondary sources, encompassing both public and unpublished records. The findings reveal that certain terrorist organizations, notably ISIS, capitalize on the growing accessibility of ICT, particularly via social media, to enhance communication, recruit members, radicalize individuals, and orchestrate coordinated operations. The study emphasizes the necessity of comprehending the role of social media in terrorist recruitment and radicalization. Understanding the motivations behind an individual's radicalization and affiliation with terrorist groups is crucial for effective counterterrorism measures. The study concludes with recommendations, emphasizing the importance of investing in scientific discovery and economic growth areas less susceptible to terrorist exploitation.

인공지능(AI)을 활용한 테러 예방 프로그램 구축 방안

The study explores the development of an effective counterterrorism program utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. Emphasizing the integration of various technical elements such as big data analysis, natural language processing, image and video analysis, and the incorporation of Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor technologies, the research investigates comprehensive approaches. Firstly, the utilization of big data analysis aims to collect and analyze data from diverse sources, identifying patterns associated with terrorism. The application of natural language processing and text mining extracts meaningful information from textual data, while image and video analysis detect unusual patterns or behaviors in visual information. Moreover, the study highlights the use of IoT and sensor technologies to establish an intelligent security system, collecting real-time environmental data to detect anomalous indicators. The implementation of an automated alert and emergency response system is also suggested, facilitating swift and effective responses upon detecting abnormal signs. In conclusion, the integrated use of diverse technologies in the proposed AI-based counterterrorism program enables rapid and accurate threat detection, contributing to the enhancement of public safety and national security.

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.

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

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.

"Hearts, Hands and Heads": Exploring the Relationship Between Disengagement and Deradicalization Through Counter Violent Extremism Project Implementation in Indonesia

Terrorism experts continue to debate how and why people become radicalised and commit violence. Significantly less emphasis and coherence of thought has been deployed to understand those processes in reverse. From the perspective of counterterrorism practitioners within both government and civil society, the question has tended to bifurcate around two contrasting conceptual approaches: should the focus be on ‘deradicalization’ (an internal or philosophical outcome seeking change in beliefs, values and attitudes) or ‘disengagement’ (a social or temporal outcome seeking change in behaviours away from violence)? This article seeks to contribute to the debate about how disengagement functions and stands as a practical and effective counterterrorism methodology, and is based on detailed analysis of field work and project implementation in Indonesia. This article and the methodologies implemented and tested are grounded in previous research on disengagement of Indonesian jihadists and countering violent extremism (CVE) projects conducted by several of the authors over many years, and extends and codifies the findings of a valuable body of earlier academic literature. The authors argue that a disengagement process grounded in the social methodology of personal mentoring (defined infra this paper by a process we have called ‘Hearts, Hands and Heads’) can achieve a measurable and meaningful change in how individuals withdraw from violent extremist networks. This article will further show why disengagement programs in Indonesia should prioritise targeting specific at-risk groups, including returned foreign fighters, who have been known to conduct terrorist activities in Indonesia as well as advocate for their cause and recruit more effectively than those that have never been to Syria or other conflict zones. With the proper implementation, disengagement can be an effective preventive tool in Indonesia in addition to preparing the groundwork for later, more formal deradicalization processes and programs.

Social Strategies of Terrorism

Terrorism poses a significant challenge to societies worldwide, employing various social strategies to achieve political objectives, disseminate ideologies, and recruit new members. This article explores the social strategies utilized by terrorist organizations, focusing on radicalization, propaganda dissemination, support network formation, exploitation of social cleavages, the role of charismatic leaders, and the use of intimidation to create fear and uncertainty. By examining the process of radicalization, the article highlights the significance of personal grievances, psychological vulnerabilities, and exposure to extremist ideologies, as well as the importance of social networks in facilitating connections and access to extremist content. The article also investigates how terrorist organizations use propaganda to advance their objectives, justify violence, promote shared identity, and vilify perceived enemies. The establishment of support networks that provide financial and logistical assistance, embedded within local communities, and the exploitation of social divisions and grievances to mobilize support and recruit new members are discussed. The role of charismatic leaders in inspiring followers, cultivating shared identity, and projecting an image of strength and defiance is examined. The article emphasizes the need for counterterrorism efforts to address these social strategies, including initiatives aimed at countering extremist ideologies, disrupting support networks, and promoting community engagement and resilience-building measures. Through an analysis of scientific research and expert insights, this article provides a comprehensive understanding of the social dynamics underpinning terrorism and informs the development of effective counterterrorism measures.

Трансформация антитеррористического права России в условиях глобализации

The article shows the creation and development of modern antiterrorism legislation in the Russian Federation. It is noted that the period of its formation coincided with the involvement of the post-Soviet Russian Federation in the process of globalisation, an inherent feature of which is the integration and unification of the legal systems and national legislations of individual states. According to the author, convergence of national anti-terrorist legislation of those states involved in countering transnational, global international terrorist organizations, such as the Islamic State banned in the Russian Federation, seems particularly important. The process of adjustment of the Russian national legal system to needs of counteraction to terrorism (external and internal), its transformation both taking into account features of the international, and foreign legal experience of counteraction to terrorism is considered. The current strengthening of responsibility for terrorist crimes in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation in many cases should be seen as a manifestation of global trends in combating terrorism. Not only the tightening of sanctions for terrorist activity, but also the addition of new anti-terrorist norms to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation is proposed to be regarded as one of the results of integration processes in national law. Despite the steps taken to transform Russian counter-terrorism legislation, its approximation and integration with international and foreign law, the process of globalisation in this field is not complete. It is concluded that the transformation of the Russian Federation's anti-terrorism law (the relevant counter-terrorism legislation and the relevant criminal law norms) must be continued in order to further its involvement in the effective counter-terrorism response in general - international law in the first place. Terrorism has long ceased to be perceived as a local threat, so the internationalisation of counter-terrorism is one of the manifestations of globalisation in law. However, globalisation, which is a catalyst for the convergence of legal systems and national legislations, does not mean that the transformation of national law must necessarily lead to the dismantling of legal institutions and traditions successfully applied in the practice of law enforcement agencies and courts of states. The author declares no conflicts of interests.

MAPIRANJE ISTRAŽIVAČKIH POLJA TERORIZMA USAMLJENIH AKTERA I KONTRATERORIZAM

The aim of the paper is systematization of thematic areas of lone-actor terrorism (LAT). Twenty areas have been identified, some of which are more pronounced in terms of content and function. The paper proposes the definition of LAT, and concludes: a) that the mapping of research fields of lone-actor terrorism has shown a very wide scope – often very productive, theoretically and methodologically established – as well as the constant expansion of thematic fields and newly formulated problems, b) that studies of LAT provide information, models and recommendations relevant to more effective counterterrorism (CT), and c) that geopolitical determinants, strategic interests that are refracted in international relations, as well as determinants that shape cultural and civilizational relations and trends in the modern world should be more strongly included in the research apparatus and the focus of LAT research.

The Counterterrorism Conundrum: Understanding Terrorist Organizations, Ideological Warfare and Strategies for Counterintelligence-Based Counterterrorism

This red cell analysis illustrates through case studies the capacities and capabilities of the Islamic State (IS) terror organization at its peak, and the Haqqani Network over time as individual organizations, including their origins, ideology, leadership, organizational structures, and operational capabilities, to examine global terrorism with a focus on the ideological warfare challenges of combatting radical Islamic terrorism. These organizations’ connections to al Qaeda and the parts they play in the greater rising threat of global radical Islamic terrorism are established in order to frame global terrorism from a strategic historical standpoint to evaluate counterterrorism strategies for the future. The author presents strategy recommendations for the United States Intelligence Community (IC) and policy makers to effectively address the national and global security threats posed by transnational terrorism, using a combination of strategic counterintelligence and targeted ground operations, along with an original seven-principle approach to effective counterterrorism operations, as well as a broader strategy for targeting the ideological roots of radical Islamic terrorism.

2007 წლის მიუნხენის კონფერენცია და ახალი მსოფლიო წესრიგის კონტურები

The International Security Conference held in Munich in February 2007 laid the foundation for the formation of the new world order. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, everyone thought that Russia would choose the way for pro-Western democratic development. In the first stage, it seemed that the Russian Federation was making a choice in favor of the free world. However, the weakness of both the state and style of oligarchic governance showed that the conclusion was premature. Although civil society was developing in Russia and after some time it could achieve concrete successes, the Russian political leadership under the leadership of Boris Yeltsin was unable to solve the acute problems facing the state. The strengthening of the Russian state is linked to the coming to power of Yeltsin's successor, Vladimir Putin. As a result of effective counterterrorism operations, the authority of Russian president has increased significantly. Putin aimed to change pro-Western orientations to Eurasian. We think, it was a natural occurrence for Russia, but it would inevitably lead to a confrontation with the West. The 2007 Munich International Security Conference is a clear example, where the Russian president strongly criticized the existence of a unipolar world and initiated foundation of a new phase of confrontation with the Euro-Atlantic space.

Evidential Analysis of Terrorism and I-VEO Knowledge Matrix in the Context of Security as Pure Public Good: The case of Pakistan from 1990 to 2010

The case of Pakistan has presented if security provision is a pure public good in the light of the I-VEO Knowledge Matrix hypotheses. Evidential analysis of the data from 1990 to 2010 from the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) suggests that terrorism incidents are not reduced with the increase of public expenditure on defence, and instead, more fatalities and injuries are witnessed during the years. The analysis is based in isolation to terrorist attacks, defence expenditure and relating hypotheses of Influential Violent Extremists Organization Knowledge Matrix (I- VEO Knowledge Matrix) and counterterrorism operations, at ceteris paribus. The I-VEO Knowledge Matrix shows there is a lack of a comprehensive set of strategy based on the collection of relevant hypotheses more productive than the existing and likely less effective counterterrorism strategies to ensure security provision as a pure public good in the case of Pakistan

Foreign aid and terrorist groups: incidents, ideology, and survival

During recent decades, terrorist groups have sought refuge in weak or failed states from which to launch their attacks. Foreign aid to states harboring those groups may or may not be an effective counterterrorism strategy. The current paper investigates that strategy from resident terrorist groups’ perspectives while accounting for their ideologies. In particular, we investigate how conflict aid and other forms of assistance affect the number of domestic and transnational terrorist incidents perpetrated by resident groups of religious, leftist, or nationalist orientations. Our analysis indicates that aid influences not only resident groups’ terror campaigns but also their survival prospects. Groups’ ideologies play important roles in counterterrorism aid’s effectiveness. To address possible aid-terrorism endogeneity, our regressions rely on novel instruments.

Implicit Bias Within Public Reporting: A Virtual Reality Experiment Examining “Suspicious” Activity

Campaigns like that of the Department of Homeland Security’s “See Something, Say Something” are intended to increase public reporting of “terrorism-related behaviors.” Yet given prior research on whom the general public considers to be a terrorist, it is likely these types of programs are instead affected by pejorative automatic associations. With this in mind, we inquire: Does implicit bias affect public reporting within a suspicious activity scenario? Through a randomized experiment using virtual reality technology, we find evidence of such bias, as manifested in whether participants indicated they would call the police when presented with a Middle Eastern male. We conclude effective counterterrorism programming should involve an awareness campaign component detailing what terrorism truly looks like in the United States.