A Department of Homeland Security Emeritus Center of Excellence led by the University of Maryland

A consortium of researchers dedicated to improving the understanding of the human causes and consequences of terrorism

November 2018 Newsletter: START develops model to thwart RN attacks; Analysis of attacks by far-right extremists


November 2018 Newsletter: START develops model to thwart RN attacks; Analysis of attacks by far-right extremists

November 29, 2018
New START model examines ways to thwart radiological/nuclear attacks
Using its newly developed model based on cutting-edge non-state actor deterrence theory and game-theoretical approaches, a team of START researchers examined hypothetical government policies aimed at reducing the probability of a non-state adversary deploying an RN weapon in the United States. Described in a new research brief, the model assesses adversaries’ likely interest in, means of acquiring and ability to successfully weaponize RN materials, as well as RN targeting and smuggling route preferences. Read more.
 
DEADLINE: Apply by Jan. 12 to earn your Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis
Hosted through the University of Maryland’s Graduate School, START's Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis provides participants with advanced education on the causes, dynamic and impacts of international and domestic terrorism. Participants also develop the methodological skills necessary to pursue advanced research on, and analysis of, terrorism. The program is appropriate for both academicians and practitioners, is flexible in structure and provides students with a thorough understanding of terrorism studies and terrorism analysis. Delivered in a fully online, synchronous format, the program can be completed in as little as one academic year. Read more. 
ICYMI: Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States, 1948-2017
START has updated its Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States (PIRUS) database with new data to now include more than 2,100 Islamist, far-left, far-right and single-issue extremists who have radicalized to violent and non-violent extremism in the United States from 1948 through 2017. Far-right extremists make up the largest ideological group in the database (n=922), followed by Islamist extremists (n=496). The remainder of the individuals in the data are far-left extremists (n=367) or individuals in the “single-issue” category (n=364), whose beliefs vary.
DISCUSSION POINT
Ideologically motivated far-right extremists have killed close to 500 people since 1990 – and 10 percent were targeted based on religion
The mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh exemplifies an increasingly deadly form of domestic terrorism committed by far-right extremists: the targeting of institutions and individuals due to their religious affiliation. Read more.
 
PUBLICATIONS
Community-Focused Counter-Radicalization and Counter-Terrorism Projects
Lexington Books
Ahmed, Kawser, and Patrick Belanger, Susan Szmania
 
Suspicious Preoperational Activities and Law Enforcement Interdiction of Terrorist Plots
Policing: An International Journal
Gruenewald, Jeff, and Brent R. Klein, Grant Drawve, Brent L. Smith, Katie Ratcliff
 
NEWS
 

START recognized by Defence Technology Institute for its multidisciplinary collaborative work
Upon serving as the keynote speaker for the Defence Technology Institute (DTI) of the Thai Ministry of Defence 2018 Technology Challenge Day, START’s UWT Director Steve Sin received the Collaboration Award. Presented by the Director and Secretary of DTI, Air Chief Marshal Dr. Preecha Prachamuk, the award recognized Sin and START’s UWT team for their multidisciplinary collaborative work examining how non-state actors adopt new technologies. Read more.

Terrorism 360 podcast captivates listeners around the world
Since its launch in September, START’s new podcast series, Terrorism 360, has captivated listeners from more than 40 countries with more than 7,000 plays. Comprised of a series of conversations between Gary LaFree, the founding director of START, and the world’s leading experts on terrorism, the podcast explores research into the causes and consequences of terrorism, and recommendations for policy makers. Listen now.

Moghadam explores cooperation among terrorist actors
Assaf Moghadam recently offered a lecture at START discussing the interconnectedness of terrorist groups and his book, “Nexus of Global Jihad: Understanding Cooperation Among Terrorist Actors.” Read more.
 
Victoria State emergency manager lectures on the importance of community safety programs
Jacob Riley, a senior advisor of readiness and intelligence with the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), visited START headquarters last month to give a lecture on careers within the organization and to explain the importance of community safety programs and why they are necessary for the growth and development of society. Read more.
 
Forest firefighter takes on new hazard
After four years fighting more than 50 forest fires in nine different states, Adrian Bushman is ready to fight a new hazard. Armed with an intimate knowledge of on-the-ground emergency response, Bushman joined START’s internship program this fall. As a State-START intern, he creates training materials for the U.S. Department of State to assist the department in identifying terrorist organizations across the globe. Read more.
EVENTS & DEADLINES
Book Talk: Rules for Rebels: The Science of Victory in Militant History
2 p.m. Dec. 3 at START headquarters
Dr. Max Abrahms, professor of political science and public policy at Northeastern University, will give a presentation on his book, “Rules for Rebels: The Science of Victory in Militant History.”
Register to attend.

DEADLINE: Jan. 12, 2019, Apply for Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis
START offers a fully online Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis through the University of Maryland's Graduate School. The program is delivered in a synchronous format using multiple online platforms provided by the University of Maryland, College Park.
TRAINING
START IN THE NEWS
 
The Washington Post: In the United States, right-wing violence is on the rise
START researchers Gary LaFree and Joshua Freilich are quoted in this article about far right extremism in the United States.
 
The New York Times: U.S. law enforcement failed to see the threat of white nationalism. Now they don't know how to stop it.
This article on far right extremism in the United States uses data from the Global Terrorism Database (GTD).
 
NPR: Is there a cure for hate?
START researcher Peter Simi is quoted in this article about far right extremism.
 
Washington Post: The psychology of how someone becomes radicalized
START researcher Arie Kruglanski is quoted in this article on the psychology of radicalization.
 
Voice of America: Far-right extremism rising in US, report says
This article on far right extremism in the United States uses data from the Global Terrorism Database (GTD).
 
The New York Times: Two decades after 9/11, militants have only multiplied
This article on global terrorism trends uses data from the Global Terrorism Database (GTD).
 
Buzzfeed: The unsatisfying truth about hateful online rhetoric and violence
START researcher Patrick James is quoted in this article about online hate speech.
 
The New York Times: The new radicalization of the internet
This article about online radicalization uses data from the Global Terrorism Database (GTD).
 
Foreign Policy: Want to deradicalize terrorists? Treat them like everyone else.
START researcher Arie Kruglanski is quoted in this article on deradicalization programs.
 
This is a selection of news clips from the past month.
A complete list of START’s media coverage can be found here.

SUPPORTING START

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The START Consortium is dedicated to generating knowledge of the human causes and consequences of terrorism. Applying rigorous standards to both research and education, START seeks to illuminate one of the most highly politicized and understudied phenomena in the social sciences for students, practitioners and policy-makers. Funded primarily through research grants to date, START is seeking to generate an endowment that will provide the flexibility and autonomy to ensure that it can continue to serve as an objective source of data and empirically based analysis into the future.  To donate, or for more information, please click here.

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