Terrorism and Counterterrorism
IWP 633
Four credits
Terrorism is about the drive for power. The motives and circumstances of each act vary, but inevitably there is strong political content. Terrorism can and must be analyzed by citizens, policymakers, and students of the social sciences. We can examine it in ways that include: its indigenous and external sources and declared or implied objectives; its strategies; its operations and tactics; and the countermeasures it inspires.
This course begins by examining the sources and objectives of various terrorist groups. It then analyzes their operations, including strategies, tactics, weaponry, financing, and state sponsorship. The course concludes by discussing various countermeasures for combating terrorism, with an emphasis on U.S. counterterrorism policy.
Semester Available
Fall Semester
Principal Professor
Christopher C. Harmon 
