Macquarie University

Terrorism in the 21st Century - PICX113

This unit provides an introduction to the strategies, tactics, causes and solutions to terrorism in the twenty-first century. It explores the global origins and history of terrorism as a means of communication and coercion, evaluates the effectiveness of terrorism as a strategy, and examines the assertion that our era is defined by ‘new’ terrorism. Attention will be given to case studies of key terrorist organisations throughout the unit. By the end of this unit, students will gain an understanding of the dynamics that underpin twenty-first century terrorism, as well as evaluate both hard and soft approaches to countering terrorism. Special attention will be focussed on the sources of successful and ethical counter-terrorism strategies; understanding mechanisms of radicalisation to and from violent extremism; evaluating proportionate state response to terror threats; and assessing the role of new technologies such as social media on how terrorist groups operate. This unit, together with PICT110, PICT111 and PICT112, provides a systematic introduction to the field of security studies.

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