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Daniel Byman,
Christine Fair,
Bruce Hoffman,
Paul Pillar,
and
Jordan Abu-Sirriya
Terrorism has gone from a persistent yet marginal security concern to one of the most important security problems of our day. There are few countries that do not suffer from some form of terrorism. Though many attempts at terrorism fail, some groups wage lengthy and bloody campaigns and, in exceptional cases, kill hundreds or even thousands in pursuit of their ends.
Read more
Terrorism has gone from a persistent yet marginal security concern to one of the most important security problems of our day. There are few countries that do not suffer from some form of terrorism. Though many attempts at terrorism fail, some groups wage lengthy and bloody campaigns and, in exceptional cases, kill hundreds or even thousands in pursuit of their ends.
Read more
Terrorism has gone from a persistent yet marginal security concern to one of the most important security problems of our day. There are few countries that do not suffer from some form of terrorism. Though many attempts at terrorism fail, some groups wage lengthy and bloody campaigns and, in exceptional cases, kill hundreds or even thousands in pursuit of their ends.
This course on terrorism will explore the nuances involved in defining terrorism; the nature of Al Qaeda, Hamas, the Islamic State, and other important groups; the effectiveness of different counterterrorism tools; terrorist recruiting, counterterrorism and the rule of law; the political context in South Asia and the Middle East; and the terrorist use of technology.
For those interested in an abbreviated version of this course, the 3-section course Terrorism and Counterterrorism: An Introduction is available here.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/0emoy3/terrorism
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What's inside
Learning objectives
- Recall the working definitions of terrorism and recognize their analytic limits
- Identify a range of causes of terrorism
- Understand the strategies and tactics of terrorist groups such as al qaeda, hamas, and the islamic state
- Identify important terrorist groups in the middle east and south asia with an understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness; these include palestinian groups, pakistani groups, and al-qaeda
- Understand how counterterrorism is constrained in a democratic society and several important legal debates related to counterterrorism
- Recall the working definitions of terrorism and recognize their analytic limits
- Identify a range of causes of terrorism
- Understand the strategies and tactics of terrorist groups such as al qaeda, hamas, and the islamic state
- Identify important terrorist groups in the middle east and south asia with an understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness; these include palestinian groups, pakistani groups, and al-qaeda
- Understand how counterterrorism is constrained in a democratic society and several important legal debates related to counterterrorism
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Is strong for students and learners who are interested in learning about the cause of terrorism and its effects
Teaches a range of causes of terrorism
Explores the strategies and tactics of terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda, Hamas, and the Islamic State
Identifies important terrorist groups in the Middle East and South Asia with an understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness; these include Palestinian groups, Pakistani groups, and Al-Qaeda
Understand how counterterrorism is constrained in a democratic society and several important legal debates related to counterterrorism
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Reviews summary
Valuable terrorism course
Learners say that Terrorism and Counterterrorism is a well-structured and valuable course. Covering a wide range of topics, this course teaches the roots and possible solutions to terrorism around the world. Beyond access to expert lectures, the course offers a thought-provoking experience instead of just teaching.
Encourages critical thinking beyond just learning.
"The course makes you think, rather than just learn."
Features access to Georgetown expertise on terrorism.
"Pr Byman grant us access to Georgetown expertise on terrorism."
"... the part about Pakistan support for jihadist groups was good."
Covers various regions and aspects of terrorism.
"The course is then divided in two parts to be chosen : South Asia or Middle East."
"All lecturers are of main interest."
"Excellent course and getting much knowledge about terrorism and its roots of how people connects to it. There are many ways to solve the problem of terrorism."
Well-structured course covering important aspects of terrorism.
"This is a very well designed course."
"It takes up the most important and relevant areas in the field and covers them in a good amount of detail."
"An excellent collection of reading material (both mandatory and optional) have been provided for each unit and provide the right background with which to understand the lectures."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Terrorism and Counterterrorism with these
activities:
Compile and organize relevant course materials
Show steps
Enhances organization and accessibility of course materials, improving retention and retrieval.
Show steps
-
Download and print lecture slides, readings, and assignments.
-
Create a structured filing system for digital and physical materials.
Review basic anatomy and physiology
Show steps
Refreshes basic anatomy and physiology knowledge to enhance comprehension of course material.
Browse courses on
Anatomy
Show steps
-
Review textbooks or online resources.
-
Attend a workshop or class on basic anatomy and physiology.
Learn about the history of terrorism
Show steps
Provides a solid foundation in the history of terrorism, enhancing understanding of its evolution and root causes.
Show steps
-
Follow online courses or tutorials on the history of terrorism.
-
Read books and articles authored by experts in the field.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice analyzing terrorist propaganda
Show steps
Develops critical thinking skills in identifying and deconstructing terrorist messaging.
Browse courses on
Media Analysis
Show steps
-
Collect examples of terrorist propaganda, such as speeches, videos, or social media posts.
-
Analyze the propaganda using a structured framework, considering factors like target audience, persuasive techniques, and underlying ideology.
Develop a presentation on a specific terrorist group
Show steps
Deepens understanding of a particular terrorist group's ideology, strategies, and impact.
Browse courses on
Al-Qaeda
Show steps
-
Research and gather information on the chosen terrorist group.
-
Develop a clear and concise presentation outline.
-
Create visual aids and supporting materials.
Read 'The Management of Terrorist Networks' by Daniel Byman
Show steps
Provides in-depth insights into the dynamics and management of terrorist networks, enhancing understanding of their operations and vulnerabilities.
View
Confronting the Caliphate: Civil Resistance in...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly, paying attention to key concepts and case studies.
-
Make notes and annotations while reading.
Engage in role-playing exercises on counterterrorism
Show steps
Develops practical skills in analyzing and responding to terrorist threats through hands-on simulations.
Show steps
-
Divide into teams and assign roles, such as security personnel, intelligence analysts, or policymakers.
-
Create hypothetical terrorist scenarios.
-
Have teams develop and implement counterterrorism strategies.
Contribute to a terrorism-related open-source project
Show steps
Provides practical experience in working with real-world terrorism data and contributes to the collective knowledge base.
Show steps
-
Identify a suitable open-source project, such as the Global Terrorism Database (GTD).
-
Review the project's documentation and guidelines.
-
Contribute code, data, or analysis to the project.
Compile and organize relevant course materials
Show steps
Enhances organization and accessibility of course materials, improving retention and retrieval.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Download and print lecture slides, readings, and assignments.
- Create a structured filing system for digital and physical materials.
Review basic anatomy and physiology
Show steps
Refreshes basic anatomy and physiology knowledge to enhance comprehension of course material.
Browse courses on
Anatomy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review textbooks or online resources.
- Attend a workshop or class on basic anatomy and physiology.
Learn about the history of terrorism
Show steps
Provides a solid foundation in the history of terrorism, enhancing understanding of its evolution and root causes.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Follow online courses or tutorials on the history of terrorism.
- Read books and articles authored by experts in the field.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice analyzing terrorist propaganda
Show steps
Develops critical thinking skills in identifying and deconstructing terrorist messaging.
Browse courses on
Media Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Collect examples of terrorist propaganda, such as speeches, videos, or social media posts.
- Analyze the propaganda using a structured framework, considering factors like target audience, persuasive techniques, and underlying ideology.
Develop a presentation on a specific terrorist group
Show steps
Deepens understanding of a particular terrorist group's ideology, strategies, and impact.
Browse courses on
Al-Qaeda
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and gather information on the chosen terrorist group.
- Develop a clear and concise presentation outline.
- Create visual aids and supporting materials.
Read 'The Management of Terrorist Networks' by Daniel Byman
Show steps
Provides in-depth insights into the dynamics and management of terrorist networks, enhancing understanding of their operations and vulnerabilities.
View
Confronting the Caliphate: Civil Resistance in...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly, paying attention to key concepts and case studies.
- Make notes and annotations while reading.
Engage in role-playing exercises on counterterrorism
Show steps
Develops practical skills in analyzing and responding to terrorist threats through hands-on simulations.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Divide into teams and assign roles, such as security personnel, intelligence analysts, or policymakers.
- Create hypothetical terrorist scenarios.
- Have teams develop and implement counterterrorism strategies.
Contribute to a terrorism-related open-source project
Show steps
Provides practical experience in working with real-world terrorism data and contributes to the collective knowledge base.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a suitable open-source project, such as the Global Terrorism Database (GTD).
- Review the project's documentation and guidelines.
- Contribute code, data, or analysis to the project.
Career center
Learners who complete Terrorism and Counterterrorism will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence Analysts collect, analyze, and disseminate information that can be used to assess potential threats to national security. They may also provide briefings to policymakers, law enforcement officials, and other stakeholders. This course provides a solid theoretical foundation in terrorism and counterterrorism, which is essential for Intelligence Analysts who need to understand the motivations and tactics of terrorist groups in order to effectively combat them.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts develop and evaluate public policy. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups. This course provides Policy Analysts with a deep understanding of the causes and consequences of terrorism, which is essential for developing effective counterterrorism policies.
Law Enforcement Officer
Law Enforcement Officer
Law Enforcement Officers are responsible for enforcing the law and protecting the public. They may work for local, state, or federal agencies and may specialize in areas such as counterterrorism, narcotics enforcement, or criminal investigation. This course provides Law Enforcement Officers with a comprehensive understanding of terrorism and counterterrorism, which is essential for effectively investigating and preventing terrorist activity.
Homeland Security Specialist
Homeland Security Specialist
Homeland Security Specialists are responsible for protecting the United States from terrorism and other threats to national security. They may work for the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), or other government agencies. This course provides Homeland Security Specialists with a broad understanding of terrorism and counterterrorism, which is essential for developing and implementing effective homeland security policies and programs.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists investigate and report on news stories. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television stations, or online news organizations. This course provides Journalists with a deep understanding of terrorism and counterterrorism, which is essential for accurately and objectively reporting on these complex issues.
Crisis Manager
Crisis Manager
Crisis Managers are responsible for developing and implementing plans to respond to crises, such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters. They may work for government agencies, businesses, or non-profit organizations. This course provides Crisis Managers with a comprehensive understanding of terrorism and counterterrorism, which is essential for developing effective crisis management plans.
Security Consultant
Security Consultant
Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on how to protect themselves from terrorism and other security threats. They may work for private security firms, government agencies, or other organizations. This course provides Security Consultants with a deep understanding of terrorism and counterterrorism, which is essential for developing effective security plans and policies.
Risk Analyst
Risk Analyst
Risk Analysts assess the likelihood and impact of potential risks, such as terrorism or natural disasters. They may work for insurance companies, financial institutions, or government agencies. This course provides Risk Analysts with a comprehensive understanding of terrorism and counterterrorism, which is essential for developing effective risk management strategies.
Emergency Manager
Emergency Manager
Emergency Managers are responsible for planning and coordinating emergency response efforts. They may work for government agencies, businesses, or non-profit organizations. This course provides Emergency Managers with a deep understanding of terrorism and counterterrorism, which is essential for developing effective emergency response plans.
Defense Contractor
Defense Contractor
Defense Contractors provide products and services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other government agencies. This course may be useful for Defense Contractors who work on projects related to terrorism and counterterrorism.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs that address social and environmental issues. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Program Managers who work on programs related to terrorism and counterterrorism.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects, including terrorism and counterterrorism. This course may be useful for Teachers who want to incorporate terrorism and counterterrorism into their curricula.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. This course may be useful for Librarians who work in libraries that specialize in terrorism and counterterrorism.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators plan and manage exhibits on a variety of topics, including terrorism and counterterrorism. This course may be useful for Museum Curators who want to develop exhibits on terrorism and counterterrorism.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists preserve and manage historical records, including those related to terrorism and counterterrorism. This course may be useful for Archivists who want to specialize in terrorism and counterterrorism.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/0emoy3/terrorism
Reading list
We've selected 33 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Terrorism and Counterterrorism.
Provides a concise introduction to the study of terrorism. It is written by one of the world's leading experts on terrorism and must-read for anyone interested in the subject.
An invaluable tool for understanding the rise of terrorism in the modern era. It provides a comprehensive overview of the causes, motivations, and history of terrorism.
Provides a comprehensive overview of terrorism and counterterrorism, covering the history, causes, and strategies of both.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies and tactics used to counter terrorism. It is written by two of the world's leading experts on terrorism and must-read for anyone involved in the fight against terrorism.
Save
A comprehensive overview of the subject, from a leading expert.
Save
Provides a detailed history of Al Qaeda, from its origins to its current activities.
Save
Comprehensive guide to terrorism, covering everything from the history of terrorism to the latest trends in terrorist activity. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the threat of terrorism.
Save
Provides a look at the future of terrorism. It is written by one of the world's leading experts on terrorism and must-read for anyone who wants to understand the future of the threat of terrorism.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of terrorism in the twenty-first century. It is written by one of the world's leading experts on terrorism and must-read for anyone who wants to understand the threat of terrorism.
Save
Provides a detailed look at the balance between liberty and security in the War on Terror. It is written by a leading expert on the subject and must-read for anyone who wants to understand the legal and constitutional issues of the War on Terror.
A detailed study of one of the world's most notorious terrorist organizations.
Save
A comprehensive history of the rise and fall of the Islamic State.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Syrian Civil War. It is written by two leading experts on the conflict and must-read for anyone who wants to understand the ongoing crisis in Syria.
Provides a comprehensive history of the Islamic State, from its origins to its current activities.
Save
Provides a detailed look at the methods and tactics used by terrorists. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the threat of terrorism.
Provides a practical guide to terrorism, covering the different types of terrorism, the methods used by terrorists, and the strategies for countering terrorism.
A comprehensive analysis of the global terrorism landscape, providing insights into the motivations, methods, and impact of terrorist groups worldwide.
Save
A look at the motivations and psychology of terrorists.
Save
An in-depth examination of the origins, strategies, and ideologies of Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, offering a deeper understanding of these influential terrorist organizations.
A historical analysis of the origins and evolution of terrorism, providing insights into the underlying causes and motivations.
Save
Provides a concise overview of terrorism, covering the different types of terrorism, the causes of terrorism, and the strategies for countering terrorism.
Save
An examination of the role of the media in terrorism.
Provides a practical guide to countering terrorism, covering the different strategies and tactics used by terrorists, and the strategies for countering terrorism.
Save
A comprehensive overview of terrorism, covering the historical, sociological, and psychological aspects, as well as counterterrorism strategies.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the legal issues surrounding terrorism, including the different legal definitions of terrorism, the different legal strategies for countering terrorism, and the different legal challenges to counterterrorism.
Provides a comprehensive overview of terrorism in the 21st century, covering the different types of terrorism, the causes of terrorism, and the strategies for countering terrorism.
A foundational text that provides a comprehensive examination of political violence, including terrorism, genocide, and other forms of political extremism.
Provides a speculative look at the future of terrorism, covering the different trends that are likely to shape terrorism in the coming years.
Save
Provides a controversial look at terrorism and the War on Terror, arguing that the War on Terror is not effective in countering terrorism.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the terrorist threat, covering the different types of terrorist groups, the different methods used by terrorists, and the different strategies for countering terrorism.
Provides a philosophical analysis of terrorism, arguing that terrorism form of political violence that is designed to achieve political goals.
Provides a theoretical and empirical analysis of the political economy of terrorism, arguing that terrorism rational response to political and economic grievances.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the international law of terrorism, covering the different treaties and conventions that deal with terrorism, and the different legal challenges to countering terrorism.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/0emoy3/terrorism
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Effort
8 to 10 hours per week for 7 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Georgetown University
Instructors
Daniel Byman
Christine Fair
Bruce Hoffman
Paul Pillar
Jordan Abu-Sirriya
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Is strong for students and learners who are interested in learning about the cause of terrorism and its effects
Teaches a range of causes of terrorism
Explores the strategies and tactics of terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda, Hamas, and the Islamic State
Identifies important terrorist groups in the Middle East and South Asia with an understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness; these include Palestinian groups, Pakistani groups, and Al-Qaeda
Understand how counterterrorism is constrained in a democratic society and several important legal debates related to counterterrorism
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