Terrorism: Face the threat

Terrorism is an ever-changing phenomenon. Security directors and managers facing the threats posed by terrorists need to understand the issues behind the many dramatic events we see unfolding before us in the national media. Indeed, it’s essential that they’re able to gain a new level of expertise and understanding as to how they can protect their own professional interests, and discover ways in which their security portfolios can remain up-to-date at all times thanks to better-informed strategies.

For many organisations including police authorities and Government bodies the subject of terrorism is such a vast and complex one that the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of this topic has rarely (if ever) been offered to the majority. Until now, that is.

The Certificate in Terrorism Studies devised by the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence (CSTPV) at the University of St Andrews in conjunction with leading global information provider Informa – is designed to fill that gap. The 16-week course content affords participants a sophisticated introduction to the fundamental issues underpinning today’s terrorist threat (by way of an adaptable, flexible e-learning environment).

Those issues include how (and why) terrorists plot against individuals, Governments, corporations and commercial operations as well as air, marine and mainland transportation services. It offers security professionals an understanding of the motivations, methodologies and modus operandi of the various strands of terrorism such that organisational security strategies may be planned in advance.

This course is specifically designed to provide an information-rich, yet highly flexible pattern of learning that enables individuals to access knowledge and expertise literally at the touch of a button, at any time of the day and wherever they may be in the world. Participants interact with their own personal tutor, while at the same time collaborating with fellow practitioners studying in the ‘virtual classroom’. They also gain access to the Jane’s Terrorism and Insurgency web site offering up-to-the minute news and analysis on terrorist activities and incidents from around the globe.

Mandatory and elective modules

In practice, there are several mandatory modules that security professionals would need to undertake. The core module directly addresses the impact and effectiveness of terrorism as a political weapon, effective counter-terrorism: tools and strategies and responses to terrorism (encompassing the international community, the democratic dilemma and crisis management).

The core module also reviews US policy and the lessons to be learned from military deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, in addition to emerging threats – among them CBRN, organised crime and so-called ‘cyber terrorism’. Case studies of attacks illustrating current trends are also to the fore.

Elective modules cover terrorist ideologies and beliefs, terrorist modus operandi, aviation terrorism and security, maritime terrorism and security and the police services’ role in counter-terrorism activity.

The different types of ideology that motivate terrorist acts (and the formation of terrorist groups) is key to the module on terrorist beliefs. Other factors that may motivate terrorism include psychological, economic and cultural trends and issues. All are detailed in great depth, so too the terrorists’ ‘world view’ and transmission of its propaganda through the media. The role of propaganda in terrorist recruitment should never be downplayed, nor should the emerging ideological trends.

Following on from that, the relationship between an organisation’s ideological make-up and the type of targets and tactics it might use must never be overlooked. For the Certificate in Terrorism Studies, this is vital to the terrorist modus operandi elective module.

The course aims to draw distinctions between ‘traditional’ forms of terrorism (practised by the Provisional IRA, for example, and the Spanish group ETA) and the new, international threat posed by al-Qaeda and related groups. There is also instruction on how terrorist groups exploit the media (including satellite TV networks like al-Jazeera). The impact of State responses, globalisation and technological advances on terrorist tactics, targeting and technology is also reviewed, so too Best Practice for effective inter-agency collaboration in combating the terrorist threat.

How might terrorists operate in the years to come? The course explores that theme.

Security directors and managers facing the threats posed by terrorists need to understand the issues behind the many dramatic events we see unfolding before us in the national media

Economic sustainability

Aviation security professionals have been operating under high alert since 9/11. Their sector, of course, has a huge role to play in general economic sustainability but, at present, remains a key terrorist target.

The course offers a comparative analysis of Government roles in aviation security, international co-operation and industry security measures. There are a series of recommendations for designing a multinational aviation security regime to address both current and emerging threats.

Threats also continue to plague the maritime domain. That being the case, the Certificate in Terrorism Studies course outlines the current capabilities of groups involved in maritime-related terrorism and crime.

Major maritime security initiatives to date include the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, the Container Security Initiative, the Proliferation Security Initiative and the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. Details of each are provided during this module, and there is a broad overview of the vital role to be played by private security companies in fighting maritime piracy.

The final elective module concentrates on the police services' role in counter-terrorism. This covers the investigation of alleged terrorism offences, emergency planning, crisis management and consequence management, the role of specialist police units in the investigation of terrorist crimes and effective co-operation with members of the public, the media and minority communities.

Mandatory and elective modules

In today’s world, there is an overwhelming requirement for all professionals involved with security management strategies and processes to be able to identify vulnerabilities. To do so, they need a clear understanding of the processes and practises of terrorists.

By attaining the Certificate in Terrorism Studies, security managers will be in a position to protect their companies’ people, infrastructure and investments.

Dr Max Taylor is professor of international relations at the University of St Andrews’ Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence, and course director for the Certificate in Terrorism Studies

The Informa Group publishes the CSTPV’s acclaimed quarterly journal Terrorism and Political Violence