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Articles 181 - 210 of 362
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The Legend Of The Lone Wolf, Agnes Hankiss
The Legend Of The Lone Wolf, Agnes Hankiss
Journal of Strategic Security
The paper attempts to demonstrate that all of the perpetrators of the grave terrorist attacks in Europe in the recent years have been connected—by one or maximum two links—to the center and leadership of ISIS in Syria, from whom they received ideological, logistical and financial support—thus contradicting the popular theory of lone wolves. The author reaches the conclusion that in many cases addressing potential lone radicals on Jihadist forums before the attacks was nothing else but a special form of Psyop, with the goal of disrupting counterrorism efforts and spreading fear in societies.
The Vested Interest Theory: Novel Methodology Examining Us-Foreign Electoral Intervention, Jonathan J. Godinez
The Vested Interest Theory: Novel Methodology Examining Us-Foreign Electoral Intervention, Jonathan J. Godinez
Journal of Strategic Security
News of Russia potentially influencing the 2016 US Presidential election shines a light on the United States' own history of foreign electoral intervention. The United States has a tumultuous history of foreign electoral intervention starting in 1947 with the founding of the Central Intelligence Agency. Since then, the US has intervened in as many as eighty-one elections around the world. This article provides a novel theory, called the vested interest theory, that is used to identify the vested interest of the United States, or any global power, in a foreign electoral intervention. It identifies vested interest by utilizing a threefold …
Front Matter/Table Of Contents
Russian Cyber Aggression And The New Cold War, Mason Shuya
Russian Cyber Aggression And The New Cold War, Mason Shuya
Journal of Strategic Security
Tensions between the United States and the Russian Federation have broken out into a new Cold War following Russia's actions in Ukraine. Following the seizure of Crimea and the fomenting of civil war in the Donbass, Russia was punished by an international contingent of states following the American lead in sanctioning Russia and isolating it from the world stage. With the sanctions having caused a great deal of damage to the Russian economy, the Russian government struck back by attacking the 2016 US Presidential election. Gambling on candidate Donald Trump, Russia hoped to strike the US at its heart and …
Ending Eta’S Armed Campaign: How And Why The Basque Armed Group Abandoned Violence. By Imanol Murua. New York, N.Y.: Routledge, 2017., Mark Roberts
Journal of Strategic Security
No abstract provided.
Front Matter/Table Of Contents
The Strategic Implications Of The Cártel De Jalisco Nueva Generación, Nathan P. Jones
The Strategic Implications Of The Cártel De Jalisco Nueva Generación, Nathan P. Jones
Journal of Strategic Security
Most security analysts now view the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) as the most powerful organized crime group (OCG) in Mexico. This article explores the strategic/security implications of the rise of this new and aggressive group by providing an in-depth historical case study. The case study shows that the CJNG is a highly resilient and geographically dispersed entity that draws upon the experience of its members, which studied under the tutelage of the Milenio and Sinaloa cartels. Since 2015 the CJNG has begun “adopting orphan” criminal cells left in the wake of the US and Mexican kingpin strategy and …
Defining A Class Of Cyber Weapons As Wmd: An Examination Of The Merits, Benjamin B. Hatch
Defining A Class Of Cyber Weapons As Wmd: An Examination Of The Merits, Benjamin B. Hatch
Journal of Strategic Security
This article examines the merits of defining a class of offensive destructive cyber weapons as weapons of mass destruction (WMD). It analyzes the growing danger of destructive cyber weapons in the future joint operating environment and the devastating effects they may have in the physical domain. Further, it outlines evidence that specifically coded, offensive destructive cyber weapons would meet the spirit and intent of the three academic conditions for categorization as WMD. It argues the merits of categorizing a class of destructive cyber weapons as WMD, and addresses important factors required to examine advantages afforded to policy makers. Towards this …
A Conceptual Model To Identify Intent To Use Chemical-Biological Weapons, Mary D. Zalesny, Paul Whitney, Amanda White, Theodore R. Plasse, Michael T. Grundy
A Conceptual Model To Identify Intent To Use Chemical-Biological Weapons, Mary D. Zalesny, Paul Whitney, Amanda White, Theodore R. Plasse, Michael T. Grundy
Journal of Strategic Security
This paper describes a conceptual model to identify and interrelate indicators of intent of non-state actors to use chemical or biological weapons. The model expands on earlier efforts to understand intent to use weapons of mass destruction by building upon well-researched theories of intent and behavior and focusing on a sub-set of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) to account for the distinct challenges of employing different types of WMD in violent acts. The conceptual model is presented as a first, critical step in developing a computational model for assessing the potential for groups to use chemical or biological weapons.
Shades Of Gray Deterrence: Issues Of Fighting In The Gray Zone, Jahara W. Matisek
Shades Of Gray Deterrence: Issues Of Fighting In The Gray Zone, Jahara W. Matisek
Journal of Strategic Security
This article addresses the concept of ‘gray wars’ as it relates to contemporary conflicts and the limits of American conventional deterrence and compellence. It more clearly defines the concept of gray wars for the current era and contrasts Cold War versus post-Cold War gray zone conflicts exposing the limits of current approaches. Finally, the article advocates for a new concept – “gray deterrence” – identifying strategies that can be used by the United States to confront ‘gray’ actors in a way that adheres to international laws and norms, but seeks to shape and influence the cost-benefit analysis of ‘gray’ actor …
Encrypted Jihad: Investigating The Role Of Telegram App In Lone Wolf Attacks In The West, Ahmad Shehabat, Teodor Mitew, Yahia Alzoubi
Encrypted Jihad: Investigating The Role Of Telegram App In Lone Wolf Attacks In The West, Ahmad Shehabat, Teodor Mitew, Yahia Alzoubi
Journal of Strategic Security
The study aims to capture links between the use of encrypted communication channel -Telegram and lone wolf attacks occurred in Europe between 2015-2016. To understand threads of ISIS communication on Telegram we used digital ethnography approach which consists of the self-observation of information flows on four of ISIS’s most celebrated telegram Channels. We draw on public sphere theory and coined the term terror socio-sphere 3.0 as the theoretical background of this study. The collected data is presented as screenshots to capture a visual evidence of ISIS communication threads. This study shows that ISIS Telegram channels play critical role in personal …
Comparing Civilian Support For Terrorism, Srobana Bhattacharya
Comparing Civilian Support For Terrorism, Srobana Bhattacharya
Journal of Strategic Security
Terrorism is an extreme form of political violence, that is inherently abhorrent in nature. Yet, it continues to attain enough support to continue and survive. The recent proliferation of Islamic State and its ever increasing domestic and international civilian support base urges immediate attention to this question. While most research holds that provision of public goods by terrorist groups is the primary cause for high levels of civilian support, I argue that, terrorist groups are more interested in resource extraction rather than resource provision. Additionally, these studies pay scant attention to existing resource structure, especially territorial and political control to …
Containing Terrorism: A Dynamic Model, Giti Zahedzadeh
Containing Terrorism: A Dynamic Model, Giti Zahedzadeh
Journal of Strategic Security
The strategic interplay between counterterror measures and terror activity is complex. Herein, we propose a dynamic model to depict this interaction. The model generates stylized prognoses: (i) under conditions of inefficient counterterror measures, terror groups enjoy longer period of activity but only if recruitment into terror groups remains low; high recruitment shortens the period of terror activity (ii) highly efficient counterterror measures effectively contain terror activity, but only if recruitment remains low. Thus, highly efficient counterterror measures can effectively contain terrorism if recruitment remains restrained. We conclude that the trajectory of the dynamics between counterterror measures and terror activity is …
Continuity And Change In The Operational Dynamics Of The Islamic State, James L. Regens, Nick Mould
Continuity And Change In The Operational Dynamics Of The Islamic State, James L. Regens, Nick Mould
Journal of Strategic Security
In this article we estimate the influence of leadership changes on the operational dynamics associated with terrorist attacks conducted by the Islamic State and its predecessors. Because the focus of our research is empirical, the study uses data for 2,131 successful attacks between October 2002 and December 2014 to examine differentials in operational tempo, attack severity, primary tactics employed, and principal targets. The data are aggregated on a monthly basis to estimate the probabilities associated with specific attack sequences in terms of the following primary tactics: (1) firearms, (2) explosives, (3) hostage-taking/kidnapping, and (4) attacks involving combinations of (1), (2), …
China’S Cyber Initiatives Counter International Pressure, Emilio Iasiello
China’S Cyber Initiatives Counter International Pressure, Emilio Iasiello
Journal of Strategic Security
Prior to its historic 2015 “no hack” pact for commercial advantage with the United States, Beijing has been engaged drafting and passing legislation, most with specific cyber components, to enhance its security posture while protecting its economic interests. This approach is in stark contrast to United States efforts that have demonstrated a focus on “acting globally, thinking locally” philosophy wherein most of its cyber efforts have been outwardly facing and are distinct from other security considerations. This paper suggests that by strengthening its domestic front with a legal framework, Beijing is preparing itself to counter any foreign initiative contrary to …
From Tactical To Strategic Deception Detection: Application Of Psychological Synthesis, Iain D. Reid, Lynsey F. Gozna, Julian C W Boon
From Tactical To Strategic Deception Detection: Application Of Psychological Synthesis, Iain D. Reid, Lynsey F. Gozna, Julian C W Boon
Journal of Strategic Security
Deception detection has ubiquitously focussed upon detecting deceit in the individual, whether in national security, forensic or business-related environments. In contrast an understanding of how to identify deception committed by multiple individuals or groups challenging strategic interests has been neglected. In this article - to enhance understanding of practitioners working across security, intelligence and forensic areas - a process of psychological synthesis is advocated. Psychological synthesis incorporates a multitude of approaches reflecting contextual requirements towards deception detection across verbal/linguistic behavior, non-verbal behavior, online interactions and intelligence analysis approaches. These combined with in-depth understanding of individuals’ cultures, personality and manner of …
Redefining Hybrid Warfare: Russia’S Non-Linear War Against The West, Tad A. Schnaufer Ii
Redefining Hybrid Warfare: Russia’S Non-Linear War Against The West, Tad A. Schnaufer Ii
Journal of Strategic Security
The term hybrid warfare fails to properly describe Russian operations in Ukraine and elsewhere. Russia has undertaken unconventional techniques to build its influence and test the boundaries of a shaken international system. Notably, Russia’s actions in Ukraine display an evolved style of warfare that goes beyond its initial label of hybrid warfare. The term non-linear war (NLW) will be defined in this article to encompass Russia’s actions and allow policymakers the correct framework to discuss and respond to Russia. NLW plays to the advantage of countries like Russia and constitute the future of warfare.
Cyber Insecurity: Navigating The Perils Of The Next Information Age. Edited By Richard M. Harrison And Trey Herr. Lanham, Md: Rowman And Littlefield, 2016., Jeffrey A. James, Ph.D.
Cyber Insecurity: Navigating The Perils Of The Next Information Age. Edited By Richard M. Harrison And Trey Herr. Lanham, Md: Rowman And Littlefield, 2016., Jeffrey A. James, Ph.D.
Journal of Strategic Security
No abstract provided.
Resistance Dynamics And Social Movement Theory: Conditions, Mechanisms, And Effects, D.W. Lee
Resistance Dynamics And Social Movement Theory: Conditions, Mechanisms, And Effects, D.W. Lee
Journal of Strategic Security
No abstract provided.
Psychopolitics Of The Current Nationalism, Karl Umbrasas
Psychopolitics Of The Current Nationalism, Karl Umbrasas
Journal of Strategic Security
This article examines the current rise of Western nationalism. The deleterious effects of globalization have inflicted a narcissistic injury on vulnerable groups in Western society. The affected masses seek affiliation with an ideology that empowers them and that has the potential to effect change in their favor. A range of security issues are inherent in this psychopolitical phenomenon, including a rise in ethno-nationalist terrorism. Policy makers must reconsider global policy in a manner that takes this psychopolitical phenomenon into consideration.
Abandoning Counterinsurgency: Toward A More Efficient Antiterrorism Strategy, Steven Metz
Abandoning Counterinsurgency: Toward A More Efficient Antiterrorism Strategy, Steven Metz
Journal of Strategic Security
This article introduces the value of great power, such as that applied in Israel’s effective national defense strategy, to resolve the conundrum of eliminating global terrorism.
Social Media: Insight On The Internal Dynamics Of Mexican Dtos, Ana L. Dávila 7058384
Social Media: Insight On The Internal Dynamics Of Mexican Dtos, Ana L. Dávila 7058384
Journal of Strategic Security
Recent literature analyzes the use of social media by terrorist organizations, gangs, and other criminal groups. Despite the valuable insight that this approach provides on these actors, the use of social media by Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) remains largely understudied. This study provides information on the scope and nature of Mexican DTOs’ online presence, a demographic snapshot of their users, and insight into the internal dynamics of these organizations through the systematic study of primary-source data collected from 150 Facebook accounts likely to belong to members of Mexican DTOs. This information gleaned from social media has the potential to …
Drugs & Thugs: Funding Terrorism Through Narcotics Trafficking, Colin P. Clarke
Drugs & Thugs: Funding Terrorism Through Narcotics Trafficking, Colin P. Clarke
Journal of Strategic Security
To date, much of the literature on the financing of terrorism and insurgency has focused at the macro-level on groups involved in financing their organizations through involvement in the drug trade. This paper discusses some of those implications, but argues that to better understand the threat faced by the new generation of jihadists in the West, security forces and intelligence services must also look at the micro-level of how lower level trafficking, drug dealing and petty criminal activity, combined with prison radicalization and ties to the black market and illicit underworld, combine to present a new spin on a longstanding …
Is The Hybrid Threat A True Threat?, David L. Raugh
Is The Hybrid Threat A True Threat?, David L. Raugh
Journal of Strategic Security
Does the “hybrid threat” discussed in General Marty Dempsey’s 2015 United States National Military Strategy make logical sense? In this paper I define the national security threat risk assessment process, examine the most significant US security threats, and study the hybrid threat. I conclude that the hybrid threat is the one that could most exploit our nation’s critical vulnerabilities- both from a security and foreign policy perspective. I conclude with a study of security and economic methods to reduce this threat.
Vanguard Of The Imam: Religion, Politics, And Iran’S Revolutionary Guards. By Afshon Ostovar. New York, N.Y.: Oxford University Press, 2016.
Journal of Strategic Security
No abstract provided.