Terrorism and European Security

About

Terrorism, and our response to it, is among the most compelling of global political issues: it dominates news headlines, public anxiety, and political strategies alike. Yet few attempt to analyze systematically this pressing phenomenon. Surely, no amount of analytical precision will rid us of the existence of terrorism, but if we want to respond effectively to the policy challenge that it poses we need first to respond effectively to its analytical challenge. To this end, the course offers concentrated, in-depth exposure to the evolution and major characteristics of modern terrorism, its actors, strategies and modus operandi, as well as an understanding of the challenges this phenomenon presents to decision-makers and security establishments. Topics that will be covered include: the place of terrorism within the broader context of political violence; the causes of terrorism; the strategic (in)effectiveness of terrorism; the conditions under which terrorist organizations come to an end; the rise of ISIS; the place of terrorism in the changing European security landscape; and the art counter-terrorism. An integral part of the course is a workshop where students can present their ongoing research and receive feedback from faculty and peers. The course will be a unique platform to engage in challenging debates and to consolidate a global research network in the fast-growing field of Terrorism Studies.

Course leader

Richard English, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, where he is also Professor of Politics and Distinguished Professorial Fellow in the George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice. Andreas Gofas, Associate Profes

Target group

Graduate students, young professionals and senior undergraduates.

Course aim

• to survey the above fields and disseminate new research advances;
• to create a forum for high quality academic work;
• to provide opportunities for the creation and consolidation of scholarly networks of cooperation.

Fee info