Terrorism Risk Management

commentary

Defining 'Terrorism' Is the First Step to Defeating It

Western policy- and decisionmakers continue to grapple with how to define acts of terrorism and when it is appropriate to bring terrorism charges. Establishing a consensus on the definition of terrorism and bringing to center stage the importance of adequately charging acts of terrorism could be more important than ever.

Diana Dascalu, Benedict Wilkinson

commentary

Implications of Domestic Terrorist Group Designations for Combating Homegrown Extremism

It is not clear that an official designation of domestic extremists as terrorists would confer additional benefits that would outweigh potential risks to U.S. civil liberties. A combined government effort that facilitates mitigation strategies to preempt violence by hate groups, while also actively stemming the flow of online disinformation, may be a good first step in reducing homegrown extremism.

David Stebbins, Douglas C. Ligor @DougLigor

commentary

A New Framework for Evaluating Counter Violent Extremism Projects

Gathering evidence in the area of counter violent extremism (CVE) is vital, given the increasing role for CVE interventions in the political and security environment. Evaluations of these interventions can play a role in growing this knowledge, by helping the CVE field itself to develop.

Ben Baruch @Ben_Baruch_

commentary

Terrorism Before and During the War on Terror: A Look at the Numbers

While terror-related headlines tend to imply the worst, the truth is much more prosaic. Terrorism since 9/11 is down—and dramatically so—in countries not suffering from civil wars and insurgencies.

Sean M. Zeigler, Meagan L. Smith

commentary

The Need for a Targeted Counter-ISIL Strategy

Defeating ISIL is only possible if political conditions change in the Middle East, North and West Africa, and South Asia, and in ways that are exceedingly unlikely. The coalition should focus on reducing ISIL's ability to conduct attacks and on removing the underlying conditions that feed Sunni grievances.

Jeffrey Martini, Lynn E. Davis

blog

RAND Research Influences Debate on Terrorism Insurance

To inform the debate on whether the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) should be continued or allowed to expire, RAND prepared policy briefs on three topics of central concern to policymakers: national security perspectives, the impact on federal spending, and the impact on workers' compensation markets.

commentary

3 Terrorism Risk Insurance Act Facts for Congress to Consider

With the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act set to expire this year, Congress is currently revisiting a crucial question: What is the appropriate government role in terrorism insurance markets? As the debate unfolds on Capitol Hill, policymakers should consider three key research findings.

Lloyd Dixon, Michael Dworsky, et al.

commentary

Reacting to Boston

Basing public safety decisions on risk analysis allows authorities to devote public resources to those counterterrorism measures that have the potential to do the most good, writes Henry Willis.

Henry H. Willis @HenryHWillis

commentary

Think Again: Al Qaeda

Predictions of al Qaeda's imminent demise are rooted more in wishful thinking and politicians' desire for applause lines than in rigorous analysis, writes Seth G. Jones.

Seth G. Jones