The SSMS minor Terrorism and Counterterrorism aspires to bridge the gap between practitioners and academia by integrating theoretical approaches to the topic with practical elements. Such practice-oriented components of the course include exercises in counterterrorist decision-making, introductions to weapons and tactics, and exposure to experienced practitioners in fields like military force protection, police counterterrorism, or CBRN counterproliferation. 

On a more abstract level, students will learn how to categorize terrorist groups and their organizational structures, learn about models of radicalization and de-radicalization, and examine military doctrines like counterinsurgency. They will also study specific phenomena, such as lone wolf attacks, the terror-crime nexus, or ISIS and their recruitment of so-called foreign fighters. 

On a more general level, the minor will also help students to chart counterterrorism as a field of employment and gain greater awareness of career opportunities in this area.  

These are the main elements addressed in this course: 

1. We will focus on the essence of terrorism as an instrument to achieve certain goals, in addition to an exploration of this phenomenon and the difficulties in defining it. It critically assesses conventional wisdom, theories, and assumptions that have emerged in recent years. It will also provide an overview of the state of the art in (counter-)terrorism studies.  
2. We look more in-depth at the different types of terrorists. Moreover, it will examine the possibilities and implications for policymaking including its practical applications at an international level. 
3. Different historical and regional cases will also be addressed in the minor. Although media primarily focus on Jihadi terrorism, the phenomenon of terrorism exists beyond the Islamic world in great variety and severity.
4. There will also be a focus on how to conduct research within the field of terrorism studies. Researchers, as well as other actors linked with this field, encounter various problems at different fronts. It is therefore crucial to explore different channels and methods in order to gain further insight into how terrorism may possibly develop in the near

Leerdoelen/Learning goals

1.     Students can distinguish between different types of terrorist activities and terrorist groups on the national, international, and transnational level.

2.     Students can apply different theoretical approaches to the underlying socio-economic, ideological, and political root causes of both home-grown (domestic) and foreign terrorism.

3.  Students can explain different tactics and “best practices” of both terrorist and counterterrorist actors in a variety of geographical and cultural settings.

4.  Students can apply different models and paradigms of (counter-)terrorism studies to address concrete (fictitious or historical) problems and challenges they are confronted with.

Proficiency in written and spoken English and a propaedeutic degree.

A motivation letter is required, please answer the following questions in your letter: 

1. What is your motivation for undertaking this minor?
2. What is an area of specific interest for you within this minor?
3. Which additional reading or research, work or other personal interests, have informed your decision to apply for this particular minor?
4. How will this particular minor assist you to achieve a personal, academic and professional aspiration?
5. What has been so far your average performance grade?
6. Have you already obtained your propaedeutic degree?
7. What type of qualifications have you obtained that confirm your proficiency in written and spoken English?

• Nacos, B. L. (2019). Terrorism and counterterrorism (6th ed.). New York: Routledge. 

Lectures, exercises and excursions are scheduled on four days per week, from Monday to Thursday.

• Testing:

  • Video (OPDRACHT): 45%
  • Group simulation (ASSESSMENT): 15%
  • Written exam (SCHRIFT): 40%
  • Reading quizzes (OPDRACHT): P/F
  • Attendance (PRESENTIE): P/F