Mobilisation Approaches to Terrorism - JPM139
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Annotation
Welcome to our course, where we delve into the world of how terrorist groups and extremist movements come into existence and operate. Throughout this journey, you will explore a wide range of practices these groups employ, from the use of social media for propaganda to fundraising efforts and their responses to significant real-world events such as wars, elections, and pandemics. We'll begin by examining the pivotal role that ideology, social networks, and grievances play in the process of terrorist mobilization. You'll gain insights into the inner workings of these groups, understanding why individuals choose to join them and how they become a part of these extremist movements. This knowledge is crucial when developing threat analyses and counter-extremism strategies for national and international organizations. To equip you with the necessary tools for in-depth analysis, we will also dive into theories related to collective action, collective identity, charismatic leadership, and the political opportunities that facilitate the growth of terrorist organizations. These theories will empower you to critically assess and comprehend the dynamics at play within these groups. Towards the conclusion of our course, our focus will shift to the strategies employed by states to counter violent extremism. We will explore disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration approaches, shedding light on how governments aim to bring individuals back into society and away from extremist influences. As you embark on this academic journey, you will not only gain valuable knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of the complex world of terrorism and extremism, equipping you with the insights needed to make informed assessments and contribute to countering these challenges effectively. Week 1 (Oct 5) Introduction to the course + lecture: The Radical Milieu of Terrorism: Groups, Movements, Networks and Lone Wolves Week 2 (Oct 12) Seminar: The Role of Ideology in Contemporary Terrorism: Islamist and Right-wing Week 3 (Oct 19) Seminar: Mobilisation Effect of Grievances in Terrorism Week 4 (Oct 26) Seminar: Social Networks, Collective action, and Collective Identities Week 5 (Nov 2) Seminar: The Role of social media in terrorist propaganda. Cyber activism and cyber warriors. How to counter terrorist activities online? Week 6 (Nov 9) Seminar: The Foreign Fighters Phenomenon: Recruitment Patterns Week 7 (Nov 16) Seminar: Framing and Narratives: Terrorist responses to real-life events. Week 8 (Nov 23) Seminar: Female mobilisation roles and patterns Week 9 (Nov 30) Seminar: Charismatic Leaders, Leader-led vs. Leaderless Mobilisation, Political Parties and Terrorism Week 10 (Dec 7)Seminar: Fundraising Campaigns as a Form of Mobilisation Week 11 (Dec 14) Seminar: Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration Strategies in Countering Violent Extremism Week 12 (Dec 11 or Nov 20) Movie screening Poslední úprava: Metodieva Atanaska, Ph.D. (03.10.2023)
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Aim of the course Students will gain experience in discussing dilemmas concerning mobilisation and demobilisation approaches. They will further obtain knowledge in identifying mobilisation patterns, choosing appropriate approaches to analyse terrorist groups and events. Students will be asked to prepare a presentation, which analyzes a terrorist group's mobilisation activities. A final assignment for this course is to write a research paper on a topic from one of the course's sessions after discussing their ideas with the lecturer. Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to engage critically with the research-based literature on terrorism and radical mobilisation.
Poslední úprava: Metodieva Atanaska, Ph.D. (10.09.2023)
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The course consists of 12 sessions X 80 min: 2 lectures - one introductory and one concluding, and 10 seminars. The course work consists of three elements: in-class work, class presentations, and a research paper. - In-class work includes participation and discussion in the seminars. Accounts for 10% of the final grade. - Class presentations account for 20% of the final grade. Presentations are done individually. The in-class group presentation should take no more than 12 minutes. - The final research paper (max 4000 words, all included), written individually, will make up 70% of the final grade. Class attendance is mandatory: - Each 80-minute session counts as one class (missing one session will count as an absence). - Excused absences must be communicated in advance via email and/or supported by documentation (eg a medical note). - Each unexcused absence will result in a reduction of the final grade by one step, for example from a B+ to a B, then from a B to a B- etc. - Unexcused absences require completion of a missed class assignment within one week: a 500-word review of the required readings for that class. - The first two unexcused absences will not result in a grade reduction if an adequate missed class assignment is submitted before the deadline. - Students are expected to leave their mobile phones, beepers, pagers, and so forth switched off. - Students may not use laptops or netbooks for any reason other than taking notes. Do not surf the Web during class time. If you do, you will lose the privilege to use a laptop or netbook. Poslední úprava: Metodieva Atanaska, Ph.D. (10.09.2023)
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The course literature is divided into required reading (two articles/chapters per session) and recommended readings. Both are listed in the weekly sessions, below. Podcasts and videos are also part of the course material.
1. Leonard Weinberg, The end of terrorism? Routledge, 2012. A good short book that complements Cronin, How terrorism ends very well.
2. Richard English, Terrorism: How to Respond, Probably the best short introduction to terrorism
3. Bruce Hoffman, Inside Terrorism , 2017. Probably the best general single-authored book on terrorism.
4. Martha Crenshaw (ed), Terrorism in Context, 1995 . The best collection of case studies of terrorist groups and campaigns.
5. Louise Richardson, What Terrorists Want: Understanding the Enemy, Containing the Threat , Random House 2008 [303.6 25 RIC]. Excellent on terrorism motivation.
Poslední úprava: Metodieva Atanaska, Ph.D. (10.09.2023)
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Teaching methods Classes take place in person: Room C520 For remote participation: ADD Teams link: Poslední úprava: Metodieva Atanaska, Ph.D. (10.09.2023)
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Poslední úprava: Metodieva Atanaska, Ph.D. (11.09.2023)
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