The Terrorist Link

About

Twenty years after 9/11, terrorist-related threats remain concrete. In spite of territorial contraction, Daesh still permeates parts of Syria and Iraq. Boko Haram and al-Shabab keep bringing havoc to vast African regions. The Taliban have returned and, with them, so has fear of new Afghan terrorist havens. Within this picture, Europe cannot deem itself safe either. And yet, we still do not fully get terrorism. Even after all this time, mystery and myth continue to surround the phenomenon in
question. What is terrorism? Can we actually define it? What causes terrorism? How can we counter Jihadist ideology? Why are al Qaeda and Daesh alive and kicking? Where do terrorists get their money from? Looking at the ‘War on Terror’, which were our successes and failures? What is the future of terrorism? Whilst challenging, this is exactly what we wish to explore.

Course leader

Dr Michele Groppi is a Lecturer in Challenges to the International Order in the Defence Studies Department (DSD), King's College London. He obtained his BA from Stanford University (Honors) in International Relations.

Target group

Students and young professionals

Course aim

A combination of frontal lectures, seminars, and live interviews and presentations by world-leading experts, this module has two aims. First, given the potentially charged nature of the topic, we invite participants to embrace and appreciate complexity. This is not to argue that individuals cannot mature their own views. Rather, this is to provide members with an in-depth understanding of the main underlying themes in terrorism studies, enhanced by first-hand accounts of terrorist and counterterrorist activity. In doing so, the module’s second aim is to inspire participants to think as holistically as possible. During seminars, we will spark debate. We will challenge common wisdom. We will play the Devil’s advocate and force you to put in other people’s shoes, rendering this intellectual exercise interactive, stimulating, and thought-provoking.

Fee info