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Social Science for Counterterrorism: Putting the Pieces Together
Title: Social Science for Counterterrorism: Putting the Pieces Together
Author: Paul K. Davis and Kim Cragin
Date: May 2009
Institution: RAND National Defense Research Institute
Bibliographic Entry: Davis, Paul K. and Kim Cragin. 2009. Social Science for Counterterrorism: Putting the Pieces Together. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation. http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2009/RAND_MG849.pdf (Accessed August 20, 2009).
Electronic Link: http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2009/RAND_MG849.pdf
Keywords: terrorism, terrorists, counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, interdisciplinary systems approach, strategic communications, deradicalization
Summary of Key Points, Issues, Conclusions:
This report takes an interdisciplinary systems approach to survey and bring together the fragmented literature regarding strategies for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency. Topics discussed include the root causes of terrorism; why and how some individuals become terrorists; how terrorists generate and maintain support; how terrorists determine decisions and behaviors; how and why terrorism declines; why some individuals disengage or deradicalize; and effectiveness of strategic communications.
Recommendations for future social science research and policymakers include:
· More and better data using a combination of theory-informed and data-driven research, as well as the systemic collection and dissemination of empirical data to researchers.
· Support-related counterterrorism possibilities are not one-size-fits-all. Thus, policymakers should ascertain the specifics of the particular case they are dealing with rather than applying a generic concept or procedure.
Name of Researcher: Jocelyn Lewis
Institution: Integrative Center for Homeland Security, Texas A&M University
Date Posted: August 21, 2009