Past Events

ICTS Seminar: Combating Terrorism and the Role of Law Enforcement
ICTS Seminar: Combating Terrorism and the Role of Law Enforcement
The International Center for Terrorism Studies at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies hosted a seminar on “Combating Terrorism: The Role of Law Enforcement” on June 11, 2015. The latest aborted plot to attack police officers in Boston underscores once again the critical role of law enforcem...
The Days After: Are Iran’s Deadlines Endless?
The Days After: Are Iran’s Deadlines Endless?
On Thursday July 9, the Potomac Institute's International Center for Terrorism Studies hosted a panel to discuss the ongoing nucelar negotiations with Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the six major powers are continuing to negotiate beyond the July 7th deadline. Can a historic diplomatic endg...
ICTS Seminar: From Terrorism to War Crimes:  Past Lessons and Future Outlook
ICTS Seminar: From Terrorism to War Crimes: Past Lessons and Future Outlook
Potomac Institute for Policy Studies April 29, 2015 at The International Law Institute This seminar focused on the interface between terrorism and the rule of law. Special attention was placed on legal practices related to detention, prosecution and punishment of terrorists. Topics covered includ...
ICTS:17th Annual Event
ICTS:17th Annual Event "International Cooperation in Combating Terrorism : Review of 2014"
Potomac Institute for Policy Studies International Center for Terrorism Studies March 30, 2015 National Press Club Opening Remarks: Michael S. Swetnam CEO and Chairman, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies Moderator: Professor Yonah Alexander Director, Inter-University Center for Terrorism Studie...
ICTS Seminar: Terrorism Victimization of Women and Children - January 30, 2015
ICTS Seminar: Terrorism Victimization of Women and Children - January 30, 2015
- Captured Live on Ustream at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-potomac-institute-for-policy-studies
ICTS Seminar: America, Still the Indispensable Nation
ICTS Seminar: America, Still the Indispensable Nation
The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies International Center for Terrorism Studies January 15, 2015 - Captured Live on Ustream at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-potomac-institute-for-policy-studies

roleofInfo1smThe failure of contemporary societies during the past sixty years in the post-World War II period to effectively combat terrorism at home and abroad is, indeed, puzzling. After all, all nations are fully aware that the most critical element in combating the challenge of terrorism is intelligence. That is, the knowledge acquired, whether overtly or covertly, for the purpose of both internal and external statecraft.

And yet, despite this awareness, the grim reality is that terrorism is still attractive and works. For instance, according to recent press reports, during the past year and a half alone some 2,063 attacks were recorded in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, with a death toll of 28,031. Likewise, 46 attacks occurred in Europe and the Americas, and as a result of which some 658 were killed.1

The purpose of this introduction is to provide an academic context for the apparent lingering confusion regarding the nature and implications of intelligence in democracies. It presents a brief overview of the challenge of modern terrorism, outlines key aspects of the role of intelligence in confronting the threats at home and abroad, and reports on the two latest academic efforts in this security area that are incorporated in this study.2

Download the full pdf here.