| Thematic Subject Area I: The Causes
or Underlying Factors of Terrorism
Individual and Psychological Explanations
The psychological make-up of individual terrorists and terrorist
leaders can be an important factor in explaining their actions. This working
group is concerned with what drives terrorists to commit violent acts,
and how understanding their motivations can lead to a more effective response.
Political Explanations
Terrorism is politically motivated violence, and terrorists have
exploited real as well as perceived political grievances. This working
group examines the political causes of terrorism, and aims to identify
if there are legitimate grievances which can be addressed.
Economic Explanations
This working group surveys the economic factors that underlie
and sustain terrorism. Most radical movements that espouse violence arise
from broader political conflicts centred on the demands of disadvantaged
groups. What role is played by economic factors, and how do they inter-play
with extreme ideologies and repressive state policies? What influence
can be attributed to globalisation?
Religion and Religious Extremism
Some of the most violent terrorist groups in recent years have
presented religion as a justification for their actions. This working
group investigates the role of religion as a cause of terrorism, and explores
what steps can be taken to foster inter-religious dialogue, tolerance
and understanding.
Cultural Explanations
Terrorism is sometimes seen as a violent reaction to alien cultural
values and influences. This working group deals with the question of how
perceptions of cultural alienation and humiliation have contributed to
the rise of international terrorism, and how these can be addressed.
Thematic Subject Area II: Confronting Terrorism
Policing
Global terrorism is local in its consequences, and it is national police
forces that shoulder much of the responsibility for dealing with terrorism.
This working group is devoted to how police forces can fight terrorism
within the rule of law, and how international co-operation can improve
their effectiveness.
Intelligence
In the struggle against terrorism, good intelligence is key. At the same
time, many intelligence agencies have found it difficult to adapt to the
challenge. This working group deals with the reform of the intelligence
services, and how international co-operation could improve their effectiveness.
Military Responses
Terrorists do not function as conventional armies. They rarely
wear uniforms and hold territory. Any potential role for the military
in responding to the rise of global terrorism, therefore, requires continuously
evolving approaches as part of a comprehensive strategy. This working
group focuses on the role and the limitations of military force in confronting
terrorism.
Terrorist Finance
No terrorist organisation can operate without financial resources.
This working group debates the most important measures that need to be
taken by governments and the financial community in order to make it more
difficult for terrorist organisations to fund their activities.
Legal Responses
The rise of international terrorism calls for new legal frameworks
and increased co-operation at the inter-state level. What new laws are
required to cope with the terrorist threat? How can international agreements
be made more responsive to the demands of the new security environment?
Thematic Subject Area III: Democratic Responses
Human Rights
Faced with the need to identify and dismantle terrorist networks, the
protection of human rights has come under increasing strain. This working
group analyses the defence of human rights within the struggle against
terrorism, and their essential role as part of a democratic response to
terrorism.
Promoting Democracy and Accountable Government
Lack of democracy can create conditions in which terrorist movements
and their idealogies flourish. This working group examines democracy as
a response or antidote to terrorism, including the priorities, efficacies
and limits of the acceptable in the equation of democracy, terrorism and
security.
International Institutions
Global terrorism requires a global response. Yet, while international
co-operation is more necessary than ever, the struggle against terrorism
has raised serious questions about the effectiveness and relevance of
some international institutions. This working group explores how international
cooperation can effectively contribute to the fight against terrorism.
Thematic Subject Area IV: Civil Society
Citizens as Actors
In the fight against terrorism, citizens have all too often been forgotten.
In addition to the state response, the strengthening of civil society
is critical in formulating a long-term response to terrorism. This working
group discusses the roles citizens can play in strengthening democracy
and countering terrorism.
Civil Society and Political Violence
While terrorists usually aim their campaigns of violence at governments,
it is the citizens that suffer the most. This working group examines the
impact of terrorism and political violence on civil society, and attempts
to define the sometimes delicate relationship between the citizens and
the terrorists.
Civil Society Strategies
If civil society is to become an effective means of prevention in the
struggle against terrorism, it needs to develop a systematic understanding
of its potential and limitations. This working group debates the various
ways and means in which civil society can be mobilised to counter violence,
and it aims to outline practical strategies that can be implemented across
the globe. |
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