International Relations - Strategies of Counterterrorism

Lecture 14: Challenges to Contemporary Global Security

Part II: Strategies of Counterterrorism

Part II of my two-part lecture on global terrorism, this discussion examines available measures of counterterrorism from military, economic, political, and cultural standpoints.

Essentially the threats of global terrorism from nameless, faceless, hidden groups and organizations necessitates a complete overhaul of the way national security is considered and equally necessitates a reevaluation of the way in which warfare is conducted.

Because enemy combatants are essentially unconventional fighters, counter-terrorist strategies call for unconventional measures of precautions. But this doesn't mean strike everywhere and anywhere. If anything, a major component of counterterrorism is investing in the regions of the world where terrorist organizations manifest to ensure the conditions for terrorism do not arise in the future. This means engaging in areas of failed states, parastates, and other areas of state weakness. It also means rooting out the economic supply line of these movements that rely on vast amounts of money and resources to survive.

Finally, it means reassessing geopolitical alliances and partnerships with states that have been less than forthcoming in combating extremism and calling for greater political accountability in previously accepted authoritarian states.

Dr. Michael Rossi

Department of Political Science
Rutgers University
November 23, 2015

Chapter Markers:

00:30 - The Way Ahead in Counterterrorism Strategies
05:03 - New Rules in Diplomatic Engagement
10:16 - Step I: Attack Terrorists and their Organizations
14:43 - Step II: Prevent the Growth of Terrorism
19:57 - Step III: Build, Sustain, and Cultivate

Music - Hans Zimmer, "Role Tide", Music from the Original Motion Picture Crimson Tide, 1995
   • Roll Tide - Crimson Tide Soundtrack -...