Terrorism Studies Commons^™

The Ambivalence Of The United States In Returning The Houthis As Global Terrorists, Ahmad Bahrul Anshori, Basyir Arif

Journal of Terrorism Studies

The re-designation of the Houthi militant group as a terrorist organisation by the United States (US) could reignite conflict tensions in the Middle East region. This US decision shows the inconsistency of Joe Biden's administration, which had revoked the Houthis' terrorist status at the beginning of his administration. This research aims to analyse the motives for the US decision to re-designate the Houthis as a terrorist group. The method used in this research is an exploratory descriptive qualitative method using data collection techniques, namely observation and literature study. The results of this study conclude that the US's changing attitude towards …

Implication Of Artificial Intelligence On National Security For The Nigeria Security Agencies, Musa Zakari

Journal of Terrorism Studies

The study examines the implications of AI for national security in Nigeria in the field of military logistics for Nigerian security agencies. A documentary research design was utilized for the study. Document analysis of existing policies, reports, and case studies related to AI and national security in Nigeria was utilized. The study revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) has significant prospects for national security for Nigeria's security agencies. It was revealed that AI-powered technologies enable advanced surveillance capabilities, such as facial recognition and video analytics, which aid in identifying potential threats and monitoring security situations more effectively. The Air Force uses …

Propelling Separatism Into Transnational Spaces: A Critical Analysis On The Pro-Ltte Tamil Diaspora In Canada, D.G.Niruka Sanjeewani

Journal of Terrorism Studies

Despite being less discussed, the transnational spaces of diaspora communities are often used by terror groups to achieve their ideological and political targets. Their projection of separatist claims in association with terrorist groups threatens not only the territorial control of the home state but also the security and immigration policies of the host state. Linked to these scopes, pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) diaspora in Canada serving as a case study in this paper to illustrate the dissemination of its separatist ideologies. In addition, this paper also analyses the current rhetoric of the Tamil diaspora for ‘federalism’ that has …

Strategic Pathways To Minimal Deterrence And Counter-Terrorism: Enhancing Brunei’S Defense Capabilities, Brice Tseen Fu Lee, Filip Komšić, Juan Pablo Sims

Journal of Terrorism Studies

This paper explores the strategic enhancement of Brunei’s military capabilities under the guidelines of the Brunei Defense White Paper 2021, focusing on establishing a robust minimal level deterrence. It emphasizes transitioning from conventional defense paradigms to an integrated, technologically advanced military structure tailored to contemporary and future security challenges. The significance of minimal level deterrence is analyzed, illustrating how a proportionate and efficient military force not only deters potential aggressors but also supports counter-terrorism efforts. This approach underscores the dual benefits of ensuring national security while facilitating economic stability and growth, allowing Brunei to allocate resources more effectively between defense …

Eritrean Element: An Overview Of The Relationship Between Eritrea And Ltte During The Sri Lankan Civil War, Punsara Amarasinghe

Journal of Terrorism Studies

The timely imperative of identifying these links is rooted in understanding how external factors assisted one of the most advanced terrorist organizations in the world to accomplish its task. Furthermore, this paper discusses two path dimensions of LTTE-Eritrean relations by examining arm trade and logistics support given by Asmara to LTTE. Furthermore, this paper discusses two path dimensions of LTTE-Eritrean relations by examining arm trade and logistics support given by Asmara to LTTE. The emerging results from this paper prove the Bush administration's hypothesis of describing Eretria as a state sponsor of terrorism along with North Korea.

Historicising Domestic Terrorism And Boko Haram Insurgency In The North East, Nigeria: Issues And Trends, Adesola Sa Adesote, Adekunle Sunday Akande, John Ojo Abimbola

Journal of Terrorism Studies

Since the return to civil rule in 1999, Nigeria has been battling with series of violent agitations from various geo-political zones in the country. These violent agitations which have taken terror dimensions have contributed to national security threat. Terrorists’ attacks have resulted in the killings of hundreds of people and wanton destruction of property that worth billions of naira through bombings. The major thrust of this paper is to investigate the challenge of domestic terrorism with major emphasis on the activities of the dreaded militant Islamic sect, popularly known as Boko Haram since 2009. The paper argues that most of …

Raven Sentry: Employing Ai For Indications And Warnings In Afghanistan, Thomas W. Spahr

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

This article examines Raven Sentry, a project that employed artificial intelligence to provide advance warning of insurgent attacks in Afghanistan. During 2019 and 2020, the Resolute Support Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (J2) benefited from a command culture open to innovation, the urgency created by the US drawdown, and a uniquely talented group of personnel that, aided by commercial sector experts, built an AI system that helped predict attacks. The war’s end cut Raven Sentry short, but the experience provides important lessons on AI and the conditions necessary for successful innovation.

The Combat Path: Sustaining Mental Readiness In Ukrainian Soldiers, Oleh Hukovskyy, James C. West, Joshua C. Morganstein, Eugene F. Augusterfer, David M. Benedek, Oleg Boyko, Robert J. Ursano, Amy B. Adler

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

In Ukraine, soldiers’ psychological resilience is of paramount concern. Therefore, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have developed a new intervention, Combat Path Debriefing, designed to address combat stress and promote unit readiness for soldiers returning to combat. This article outlines the components of Combat Path Debriefing and discusses how it is rooted in principles of combat and operational stress control and the unique characteristics of Ukrainian military life. This perspective offers US and allied leaders real-world experience that can inform future efforts to support soldiers’ mental health and combat performance.

The Dynamics Of Us Retrenchment In The Middle East, Paul K. Macdonald, Joseph M. Parent

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

This article argues that conditions favor American retrenchment from the Middle East because the United States can shift burdens to capable states in the region, there are few areas where US commitments are interdependent, and the local conquest calculus favors defense. Forward military deployments do not positively influence potential threats in the Middle East, and maintaining deployments there will detract from meeting challenges from China. Through comparisons to prior cases of great-power ordinal decline, this article puts America’s modest decline in historical perspective and finds that retrenchment policies will likely have positive consequences.

From The Editor In Chief, Antulio J. Echevarria Ii

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

Welcome to the Summer 2024 issue of Parameters. We open this issue with a special “In Memoriam” by General Charles A. Flynn, Commander US Army Pacific, honoring the life and legacies of our director and consummate colleague, Carol V. Evans. We dedicate this issue to her. General Flynn’s memoriam is followed by an In Focus commentary on China’s Belt and Road Initiative. We then feature three forums covering the Russia-Ukraine War, the Middle East, and Professional Development. This issue also contains special essays on the role of professional writing, the US Army War College’s Civil-Military Relations Center, …

Contributor Guidelines, Usawc Press

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

No abstract provided.

Governance And Islam In East Africa: Muslims And The State In Kenya And Tanzania, Farouk Topan, Kai Kresse, Erin E. Stiles, Hassan Mwakimako

Exploring Muslim Contexts

Explores the relationship between Muslim communities and the State in East Africa in political, institutional and legal contexts

• Focuses on the relationship between Muslims and the State in Kenya and Tanzania
• Asks which factors, both within and outside the Muslim community, shape and affect this relationship in contemporary times
• Presents 13 case studies exploring governance issues within and across the categories of politics, institutions and law in Kenya and Tanzania
• Identifies cross-cutting issues of governance and Muslim communities which are relevant beyond East Africa

Recent studies of Muslims in Kenya and Tanzania have tended either to examine governance of Muslims …

Dynamic Impact Testing And Numerical Analysis Of Non-Proprietary Astm F2656-20 M50 Anti-Ram Barrier Components, Weston Kelley

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In a post-9/11 world, hostile actors are using vehicles as weapons to inflict civilian casualties. Pedestrians, vulnerable road users, military personnel, and police may be targeted using a vehicle as a weapon. The United States Department of Defense (DoD) also utilizes Entry Control Facilities (ECFs) which are carefully designed transportation corridors to manage how threat vehicles are able to access military facilities. In 2004, DoD started to upgrade all ECFs using both passive and active barriers. Many anti-ram vehicle barriers were evaluated according to the criteria established in ASTM F2656, but to date few options are available which are (1) …

Financial Exclusion, Gender, And The Lure Of Boko Haram (Chapter From Gender-Responsive Budgeting In Africa: Access And Future Measures), Vesna Markovic, Sven Botha

Justice, Law, and Public Safety Studies Department Faculty Books/Book Chapters

There is a large disparity in financial inclusiveness for those people living in northern Nigeria in contrast to those living in southern Nigeria. According to a 2019 report by the Central Bank of Nigeria and Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), Nigeria has more people living in extreme poverty than any other country in the world. Access to education and lower levels of income all contribute to the lack of financial inclusion for both men and women in the North, but particularly for women. These gender barriers have acted as an enabler for the recruitment of women into the Boko …

Terrorism In Africa: An Analysis Of The Efficacy Of U.S. Counterterrorism, Max Yong

Global Tides

This paper seeks to identify whether United States aid to Africa has impacted violent terrorist activity on the continent. The existing literature has produced a range of critiques. Many have voiced concern about foreign terrorist organizations (FTO) growing and blame ineffective efforts by the U.S. for this reality. Instances of African nations, in the face of persisting security challenges from FTOs, turning to political adversaries of the U.S. for assistance is evidence of this sentiment. Furthermore, terror attacks since the onset of the U.S. Global War on Terror (GWOT) have only remained higher than in the previous era. Others have …

From The Editor In Chief, Antulio J. Echevarria Ii

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

Welcome to the Spring 2024 issue of Parameters. Readers will note a few differences in the formatting for this issue: we are now using endnotes instead of footnotes to facilitate switching from pdf to html via Adobe's Liquid App; also, readers will be able to click on each endnote number to view the full endnote and then switch back to the text to resume reading. Please drop us a note to let us know how you like the changes. More are coming!

China's Use Of Nontraditional Strategic Landpower In Asia, Sheena Chestnut Greitens

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

This article argues that the People’s Republic of China uses its police and internal security forces as a nontraditional means of projecting strategic Landpower in the Indo-Pacific and Central Asia. Instead of limiting analysis of China’s power projection to military forces, this article employs new data on Chinese police engagements abroad to fill a gap in our understanding of the operating environment in Asia. Policymakers will gain an understanding of how these activities enhance China’s presence, partnerships, and influence across the region to inform the development of recommendations for a more effective response.

International Law, Self-Defense, And The Israel-Hamas Conflict, Eric A. Heinze

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

This article examines the international law of self-defense as it applies to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict to determine whether the October 2023 attacks by Hamas against Israel can be interpreted under Article 51 of the UN Charter as an “armed attack” that gives Israel the right to use military force in self-defense against non-state actors. It situates the conflict within ongoing legal and political debates, shows how this conflict fits into a changing global reality where the most dangerous security threats do not exclusively emanate from other states and concludes that Israel’s resort to force in the current conflict appears …

Strategy As Problem-Solving, Andrew Carr

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

This article proposes a new definition of strategy as problem-solving that challenges the focus on goals and assumptions of order within many post–Cold War approaches to strategy. It argues that the military needs strategy to diagnose the complex problems of the twenty-first century before they can be solved. Inspired by practitioners such as Andrew Marshall and George F. Kennan, this new definition clarifies what strategists do and offers a logic for distinguishing the use of the term strategy. Practitioners will also find problem-solving tools and pedagogies they can adopt today.

Parameters Spring 2024, Usawc Press

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

No abstract provided.

Rethinking The Relevance Of Self-Deterrence, Jeffrey H. Michaels

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

Self-deterrence is critically understudied in deterrence theory. Similarly, deterrence practitioners prefer to focus on adversaries’ threats rather than seeking to account for the full scope of fears influencing the decision calculus of policymakers. Through historical case studies, this article identifies where self-deterrence has occurred, highlights the benefits of incorporating the concept in future strategic planning and intelligence assessments, and recommends that policymakers, strategists, and analysts acknowledge self-deterrence as an important factor when preparing for future wars.

Us-Taiwan Relations And The Future Of The Liberal Order, Christina Lai

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

Strengthening ties with Taiwan is the best chance the United States has to preserve the liberal international order in Asia and improve its security relative to China. This study offers a normative perspective on how Taiwan can contribute to US-led international institutions and the Asian regional order and reduce conflict risk. It concludes with recommendations for the United States and its partners to integrate Taiwan into multilateral institutions in Asia.

Kebijakan Pertahanan Untuk Mencapai Sistem Keamanan Nasional, Franziska Zeligke, Stalone Erio Kurniawan, Winardi Ginting

Jurnal Kajian Stratejik Ketahanan Nasional

Security, derived from the Latin term "secure" which means the absence of danger, worry, includes two main methodologies, specifically conventional and unconventional security. Defense is the main tool used by a country to achieve national security, covering all aspects of national life to face various challenges. National security is concerned with maintaining the integrity and welfare of the state, society and individuals. This essay seeks to examine current security and defense threats and explain the similarities and differences in the perspective of national security. This research uses a qualitative descriptive design by conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature. This …

Analisis Potensi Ancaman Siber Pada Bidang Ekonomi Di Indonesia, Isro' Kurniawan Rahakbauw, Ika Arini Batubara

Jurnal Kajian Stratejik Ketahanan Nasional

Artikel ini membahas analisis potensi ancaman perang siber pada sektor ekonomi di Indonesia. Peningkatan ketergantungan terhadap teknologi informasi dan konektivitas yang semakin luas membuka pintu lebar bagi potensi serangan siber terhadap sektor ekonomi negara. Melalui pendekatan analitis, artikel ini mengeksplorasi berbagai potensi ancaman siber yang mungkin dihadapi Indonesia, melibatkan serangan terhadap infrastruktur keuangan, perdagangan elektronik, serta data dan informasi bisnis. Dalam konteks ini, artikel ini juga mengevaluasi kesiapan dan keefektifan langkah-langkah keamanan siber yang telah diimplementasikan oleh pemerintah dan sektor swasta. Temuan dari analisis ini memberikan wawasan yang berharga untuk mengidentifikasi dan mengatasi potensi ancaman siber di sektor ekonomi Indonesia, …

Cybersecurity Dan Tata Kelola Intelijen, Agung Ikhssani, Cakra Mudra, Fragmadio Gana Prasidya

Jurnal Kajian Stratejik Ketahanan Nasional

The utilization of information and communication technology crossing national borders opens opportunities for state and non-state actors to engage in various detrimental activities. Information theft, attacks on banking systems, military networks, and national infrastructure pose threats that must be addressed. Cyberspace, with its boundaryless, abstract, and timeless nature, becomes a field for transnational criminal activities. In this context, cybersecurity is not only the responsibility of the government but also requires cross-sector cooperation. Proactive policy development, robust cybersecurity infrastructure, and public-private collaboration are key to protecting critical systems and maintaining national stability. Intelligence governance also plays a crucial role in addressing …

Meningkatkan Ketahanan Ruang Udara Indonesia Melalui Analisis Intelijen, Laksono Hadisiswanto Putro, Celine Tjandra, Nursirwan Nursirwan

Jurnal Kajian Stratejik Ketahanan Nasional

Airspace defense is part of the country's sovereignty and its existence has been recognized. However, Indonesia does not yet have a law governing its airspace. This lack of regulation has occurred since the country's independence in 1945. This study aims to determine the benefits and urgency of improving airspace resilience in Indonesia by using an intelligence analysis approach. The research method is qualitative and descriptive analytical. Intelligence analysis is a powerful tool to anticipate and mitigate threats. By conducting intelligence analysis, it means being able to predict upcoming threats. The results of this study show that intelligence analysis is very …

Membangun Ketahanan Keluarga Untuk Mencegah Bentuk Kejahatan Narkotika Yang Terorganisasi Dengan Basis Keluarga, Hendra Pakpahan, Reza Bakhtiar, Nasrul Ma'arif

Jurnal Kajian Stratejik Ketahanan Nasional

The phenomenon of family involvement in organized narcotics crime emerged in Indonesia when Lian Silas, the father of a narcotics lord - Fredy Pratama, was involved in alleged money laundering from the proceeds of his son's illicit narcotics business. Not only that, Fredy also involved other family members. In fact, this phenomenon is nothing new in cases of organized narcotics crime, as the Italian mafia group is also closely linked to the role of the family in the crimes committed. This research found that can also be exploited by criminals to collaborate in carrying out their actions. The analysis was …

Peran Algoritma Media Sosial Dalam Penyebaran Propaganda Politik Digital Menjelang Pemilu, Ismail Zaky Al Fatih, Rachmatsah Adi Putera, Zahri Hariman Umar

Jurnal Kajian Stratejik Ketahanan Nasional

Social media has transformed the political landscape, becoming crucial in general election preparations. It provides direct access to voters, a platform for political candidates to interact with audiences, and enables active participation in the political process. However, it also poses risks, such as the spread of false information, social division, and polarization. Algorithms on social media play a central role in shaping public perceptions of elections. These algorithms can create “filter bubbles,” where users are only exposed to views aligning with their beliefs, and “echo chambers,” reinforcing existing views. This qualitative research, using a literature study method, found that digital …

Tata Kelola Intelijen: Netralitas Bin Dalam Politik Kepentingan, Karyono Wibowo, Akhlish Dzikrullah, Nico Julianto

Jurnal Kajian Stratejik Ketahanan Nasional

A conflict of interest in the context of decision making is the potential for interference with a person's ability to make correct decisions on behalf of others. The study illustrates that a conflict of interest can threaten the independence of the Indonesian State Intelligence Agency (BIN) in carrying out its duties of early detection and early warning of national security threats. By detailing the current situation, including President Jokowi's announcement regarding his access to intelligence information, the article highlights potential conflicts of interest that could harm BIN's independence. In order to maintain BIN's integrity and independence, this case study emphasizes …

The Battle Over Memory: The Contestations Of Public And Familial Narratives In Remembering 9/11, Cheng-Yen Wu

Swarthmore Undergraduate History Journal

On September 11, 2001, the four plane crashes marked the three sites of trauma that, to this day, sit in the heart of United States history. The paper examines the contested and often conflicting public and familial narratives at sites of memory and the recurring themes behind commemoration narratives. Drawing on newsletter articles and seven interviews with members of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows and The Peace Abbey, the paper concludes that national and public remembrances of 9/11 adopted a top-down approach that has repressed familial remembrances in three main ways: by glorifying the victims, co-opting the version told …