Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory and Practice
Delve into the research behind terrorism as you unpack the assumptions and impacts of both terrorism and counterterrorism. Terrorism has arguably been one of the defining factors of our age. It frequently makes headlines, threatening or attacking governments, private businesses, and ordinary citizens. In many parts of the world, it has been one of the most important threats to peace, security, and stability – but what does this mean exactly? On this six-week course from Leiden University, you’ll explore the essence of terrorism and discover why it is so difficult to define.
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- Level Foundation
- Duration 21 hours
- Course by Universiteit Leiden
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Offered by
About
Delve into the research behind terrorism as you unpack the assumptions and impacts of both terrorism and counterterrorism. Terrorism has arguably been one of the defining factors of our age. It frequently makes headlines, threatening or attacking governments, private businesses, and ordinary citizens. In many parts of the world, it has been one of the most important threats to peace, security, and stability – but what does this mean exactly? On this six-week course from Leiden University, you’ll explore the essence of terrorism and discover why it is so difficult to define. Unpacking its history and the theory of the waves of terrorism, you’ll analyse both the theoretical approaches and practical applications of terrorism and counterterrorism in the real world. There are many assumptions that cloud the subjects of terrorism and counterterrorism. These myths are often created and intensified by individual bias, the government, and the media. On this course, you’ll discover different assumptions about terrorist identities and motivations, as well as the efficiencies of various counterterrorism efforts. You’ll then compare this with academic research to investigate the truth behind these assumptions. In your exploration of the impact of terrorism, you’ll delve into the culture of fear created by terrorism, as well as the success of counterterrorism policies to limit and manage its impact on society. In the final stage of this course, you’ll reflect on trends and developments in terrorism and counterterrorism. You’ll assess current academic research as well as what could be studied in the future to help.Modules
Welcome
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3
Videos
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3
Readings
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1
Plugin
3
Videos
- Welcome!
- About the Expert Interviews
- How to succeed in your online class
3
Readings
- Meet the team
- Course Format
- Course Handbook
Week 1: Definition of terrorism
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7
Videos
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1
Readings
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2
Discussion
2
Discussions
- Fifth wave of terrorism
- Defining terrorism
7
Videos
- Introduction: Facts and Figures
- History of Terrorism
- Current wave and what's next
- Use of the term 'terrorism'
- Why there is no generally accepted definition
- Need for a definition: some attempts
- Essence of Terrorism
1
Readings
- Readings
Quiz Time
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Definition of terrorism
How did we get here?
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5
Videos
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1
Readings
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2
Discussion
2
Discussions
- Is there a bias in terrorism studies?
- Would you interview terrorists?
5
Videos
- History of Terrorism Studies
- Disciplines & Approaches
- Key Authors & Centres
- Challenges & Dilemmas
- Current State of the Art
1
Readings
- Readings
Quiz Time
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Researching terrorism and counterterrorism
Truth or Myth? Assumptions on terrorism
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5
Videos
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1
Readings
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2
Discussion
2
Discussions
- Is terrorism predominantly anti-western?
- Is terrorism successful?
5
Videos
- Assumption 1: Terrorism is caused by poverty
- Assumption 2: Terrorists are crazy
- Assumption 3: Terrorism is increasingly lethal
- Assumption 4: Terrorism is predominantly anti-western
- Assumption 5: Terrorism is successful
1
Readings
- Readings
Quiz Time
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Assumptions on terrorism
Truth or Myth? Assumptions on counterterrorism
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5
Videos
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1
Readings
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2
Discussion
2
Discussions
- What would you opt for: deradicalisation or disengagement?
- Let's talk about IS
5
Videos
- Assumption 1: Profiling works
- Assumption 2: Deradicalisation is possible
- Assumption 3: Decapitation of terrorist organisations works
- Assumption 4: Terrorism cannot be defeated
- Assumption 5: Terrorism can best be managed by a holistic approach
1
Readings
- Readings
Quiz Time
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Assumptions on counterterrorism
How do we deal with the impact of terrorism?
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4
Videos
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1
Readings
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2
Discussion
2
Discussions
- Impact management and resilience in your country
- Let's talk social
4
Videos
- Fear of terrorism
- A 'culture of fear' and resilience
- Dealing with the impact of terrorism in theory
- Dealing with the impact of terrorism in practice
1
Readings
- Readings
Quiz Time
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Dealing with the impact of terrorism
What can we expect in the future?
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5
Videos
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2
Readings
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2
Discussion
2
Discussions
- What about your forecast?
- What will the future bring?
5
Videos
- Importance of monitoring and looking ahead
- Trends and developments in (counter)terrorism
- Un- and under-researched topics in terrorism studies
- Future research agenda
- Closing
2
Readings
- Readings
- Want to learn more?
Quiz Time
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Trends and development in (counter)terrorism studies
Expert Interviews
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1
Videos
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1
Readings
1
Videos
- About the Expert Interviews
1
Readings
- Collection of all Expert Interviews
Final Exam
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Final Exam
Auto Summary
Explore the complex world of terrorism and counterterrorism with this six-week course from Leiden University on Coursera. Delve into the research behind terrorism, unpack its history, and analyze theoretical and practical approaches. Understand the myths and realities of terrorist identities, motivations, and counterterrorism effectiveness. Ideal for those interested in Personal Development, this foundational course offers insights into the culture of fear and the success of counterterrorism policies, with flexible subscription options available.
Edwin Bakker
Jeanine de Roy van Zuijdewijn