Terrorism & Global Security International Business - Novancia Program Spring 2017 Semester - Early Start - Paris

In this course you will explore and analyze one of the most intractable political struggles taking place in the world today: international terrorism. Through a survey and analysis of the diverse manifestations of this most pernicious threat to international, domestic and personal security, you will strive to understand the deeper psychology behind the terrorists and their violent campaigns: Who are the terrorists? What do they want? Where and how do they strike? And, importantly, how are they to be stopped?

To this end, you will study and become familiar with the many facets and complexities of the phenomenon of international terrorism - its origins, evolution, causes, scope and effectiveness; its problematic use and legitimacy; its revolutionary goals and diverse ideologies; its manifold methods and techniques; its political and financial structures; its networks and personalities; and, most importantly, its practical consequences for both its victims and the States, societies and peoples it seeks to terrorize and weaken. And while Europe has been both target and victim of terrorist attacks and organized guerilla campaigns for many decades, the case studies you treat in this class extend beyond the experience of France, Great Britain, Italy and Spain in fighting these asymmetrical wars. You will also investigate the pressing issues of terrorism in the Afghan-Pakistan-Indian triangle, in Southeast Asia, in the Middle East and in Africa. Together, the regional case studies you consider reveal the growing complexity, diversity and unsuspected threat of terrorism that now includes narco-, cyber-, nuclear- and psychological terrorism.

To respond, you will also acquire knowledge and insight into how terrorism is being fought. Through the use of traditional political, financial, diplomatic and military structures as well as through the less traditional and more covert means of intelligence gathering, spying, infiltration and assassination, counter-terrorism is a complex process no less important to explore. What can be done to prevent terrorism? What is the appropriate domestic response? How can an open society face such dangers while still preserving liberties at home? Here again, and as a counterpoint to U.S. counter-terrorist strategies, you will study and evaluate the diverse techniques and methods employed to fight terrorists by European, Middle Eastern, Asian, and African counter-terrorist specialists.

In addition to extensive readings and analysis, it is through case-study based simulations and role-playing that you will experience first-hand the challenges and dilemmas members of the diplomatic, communications, security and intelligence communities face in the daily struggle against the current global threat that is terrorism.