Past Events

ICTS Seminar - “Jerusalem: Outlook for War or Peace?” - Dec. 21, 2015
ICTS Seminar - “Jerusalem: Outlook for War or Peace?” - Dec. 21, 2015
Issues including the historical, political, legal, and strategic context of Jerusalem was discussed by scholars and diplomats from the region.
Securing the Homeland: Information Sharing and the Role of Law Enforcement Seminar
Securing the Homeland: Information Sharing and the Role of Law Enforcement Seminar
On December 3, 2015, the Potomac Institute held a seminar entitled “Securing the Homeland: Information Sharing and the Role of Law Enforcement.” Michael Swetnam, CEO of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, provided the opening and closing remarks, and the panel included four distinguished g...
The Potomac Institute hosts ITAR Seminar
The Potomac Institute hosts ITAR Seminar
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Seminar hosted by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. December 1, 2015
“U.S. Combating the Islamic State:    Is a New Strategic Blueprint Needed?”
“U.S. Combating the Islamic State: Is a New Strategic Blueprint Needed?”
In view of the expanding challenges of the “Caliphate without borders” at home and abroad, is there a need for a new American strategy “to degrade, and ultimately destroy ISIL”? Should the Islamic State be viewed as a threat equal or greater than al-Qa’ida for the U.S. and the internation...
ICTS Seminar - Russia’s Middle East Strategy: Quo Vadis?
ICTS Seminar - Russia’s Middle East Strategy: Quo Vadis?" - Oct. 23, 2015
Potomac Institute for Policy Studies International Center for Terrorism Studies Does Russia's latest involvement in the Syrian crisis marks a significant “game-changer” in the Middle East? Can this "surprise" development lead to an escalated confrontation or contribute to combating terrorism in...

     From the International Center for Terrorism Studies (ICTS) at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies:

A Special Seminar on

"Terrorism Captives: Tactical, Legal, and Strategic Implications"

Kidnapping and hostage taking by state and non-state actors constitute a permanent fixture of terrorist tactics that is attractive and effective. The latest media focus on American and foreign captives in Iran, Syria, and elsewhere provides an opportunity to assess the historical lessons learned, anticipate future challenges, and recommend "best practices" response strategies on national, regional, and global levels.

These topics and related concerns such as piracy, hijacking, negotiations, ransom, and military rescue missions were discussed by former and current officials and academics. 

This event hosted several distinguished speakers:

Professor Don Wallace Jr, Chairman of the International Law Institute
Professor Yonah Alexander, Director, Inter-University Center for Terrorism Studies, and Senior Fellow, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies
Ambassador (Ret.) Edward Marks,Former U.S. Department of State Deputy Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism and Director, Arthur D. Simons Center for Interagency Cooperation
Dr. Wayne H. Zaideman, Former FBI Legal Attaché in the Middle East
Ifat Reshef, Minister for Middle Eastern and Counter-Terrorism Affairs, Embassy of Israel
Dr. Harlan K. Ullman, Senior Advisor at the Atlantic Council and Business Executives for National Security
General Alfred Gray, USMC (Ret.), Twenty-Ninth Commandant of the United States Marine Corps; Senior Fellow and Chairman of the Board of Regents, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies

For more information on the International Center for Terrorism Studies, please visit their website

You can view a video of this seminar on CSPAN or watch it here