The course examines current themes and policy-relevant analytical questions regarding present-day terrorism. These topics include alternative conceptions of terrorism studies, including from the critical terrorism studies perspective; issues of gender and terrorism; media and extremism; terrorism in the cyber domain; conspiracy theories and their impact on extremism and terrorism. It will also discuss issues of terrorism research methods issues that have arisen in recent years. From a forecasting perspective, it will examine how David Rapoport’s waves of terrorism is applicable in assessing global extremism and terrorism today. Topics will also include the transnational nature of far-right extremism and terrorism, as well as recent research on psychological factors and online radicalization.

Syllabus topics:

1. Critical terrorism studies – theory and policy

2. Terrorism research methods. Debates in terrorism research

3. Terrorism and civil wars

4. Gender issues and terrorism

5. How terrorists use natural disasters for political influence

6. Psychology and contemporary radicalization; online radicalization and the
psychological basis

7. Fifth wave of terrorism and forecasting

8. Contemporary state-sponsored terrorism; risks for the state

9. The transnational nature of contemporary far-right terrorism

10. Media and terrorism; disinformation campaigns

11. Cyber terrorism

12. Conspiracy theories and terrorism/extremism

13. Competition amongst terrorist groups