Terrorism

Organizational Learning in Terrorist Groups and Its Implications for Combating Terrorism

Continuing conflicts between violent groups and states generate an ever–present demand for higher quality and more timely information to support operations to combat terrorism. In particular, better ways are needed to understand how terrorist and insurgent groups adapt over time into more–effective organizations and increasingly dangerous threats. To adapt, terrorist organizations must learn. A group’s ability to learn determines its chance of success, since learning is the link between what the group wants to do and its ability to gather the needed information and resources to actually do it. Despite … Continue Reading

Case Studies of Organizational Learning in Five Terrorist Groups

Continuing conflicts between violent groups and states generate an ever–present demand for higher quality and more timely information to support operations to combat terrorism. In particular, better ways are needed to understand how terrorist and insurgent groups adapt over time into more–effective organizations and increasingly dangerous threats. To adapt, terrorist organizations must learn. A group’s ability to learn determines its chance of success, since learning is the link between what the group wants to do and its ability to gather the needed information and resources to actually do it. Despite the importance … Continue Reading

General Psychology Informs International Relations

Several experiments, focusing on decisions made by young, voting–age citizens of the United States about how to respond to incidents of international conflict, are summarized. Participants recommended measured reactions to an initial attack. Repeated attacks led to escalated reaction, however, eventually matching or exceeding the conflict level of the attack itself. If a peace treaty between contending nations was in place, women were more forgiving of an attack, and men were more aggressive. There was little overall difference in reactions to terrorist versus military attacks. Participants responded with a higher level of conflict to terrorist attacks … Continue Reading

Anti–terrorist operations (ATOPS) are fought on a wide front: the army forces, various government departments and the civilian population all have a role to play. In implementing the anti–terrorist action contained herein, members of the army forces must appreciate the vital need for cooperation and the under–standing of each other’s characteristics and capabilities.

ATOPS warfare probably places a greater burden of responsibility on the individual than does any other form of conflict. It connotes small groups and light scales. Catch–words are: thorough training, self–discipline, skill at arms, initiative, guile, endurance and above all, the will to win.

This manual details specific strategies … Continue Reading

Using Social and Economic Development to Inhibit a Resurgence of Terrorism

This report examines social and economic development policies enacted by three countries