The technological developments of recent years have influenced both the threat of terrorist attacks and the defence against them, and continue to be the focus of attention. Terrorist groups are not slow to exploit new technological developments and adapt them to their own ends, and the forces of counterterrorism cannot afford to fall behind in their understanding of potential threats. This book presents the proceedings of the NATO Centre of Excellence – Defence against Terrorism (COE–DAT) Advanced Research Workshop, "Technological Dimensions of Defence against Terrorism", held in Ankara, Turkey, in November 2011. Seventeen expert speakers from four countries – military and civilian practitioners, business leaders, researchers and academics – delivered a series of papers in sessions on: understanding the challenges; the role of technology in terrorist attacks; and the role of technology against terrorist attacks. The topics covered include: a brief history of terrorism and technology; technological advances and the impact on terrorism and counterterrorism efforts; the role of the commercial world in the defence against terrorism; transportation technology and its effects on the nature of terrorist attacks; terrorist threats to critical energy infrastructure technology and protection systems. The book is a significant contribution to the field of counterterrorism, and will be of interest to all those whose work involves the relationship between technology and terrorism.

The traumas resulting from terrorism and political violence have profound implications for the stability and normal operation of modern societies, and a negative impact on the effectiveness and legitimacy of their governments. This publication presents articles from the NATO Advanced Training Course (ATC) ‘Defence Against Terrorism: Different Dimensions and Trends of the Emerging Threat – Terrorism’ held in Kabul, Afghanistan in May 2010. This course was attended by serving Afghan officers of various ranks and also by a number of Afghan civilians, and was designed to have a practical focus for the participants, all of whom were involved in counterterrorism operations.The book begins with an overview of terrorism, which sets the stage for the articles of the other contributors. Subjects covered in the remainder of the book include the importance of social stability to the fight against terrorism; adjustments to change; the role of intelligence and the importance of international cooperation between intelligence agencies; suicide bombing; terrorism and organized crime; as well as future trends in terrorism. This title will be of great interest to all those concerned with countering the threat from terrorism and political violence.

The issue of new threats in terrorism is of constant concern for those engaged in counterterrorism and antiterrorism. Defensive tactics must be constantly updated and improved to keep pace with the never-ending changes and developments in terrorist methods and capabilities. This book presents the proceedings of the NATO Centre of Excellence – Defence against Terrorism (COE-DAT) Advanced Training Course (ATC) entitled "Analysing Different Dimensions and New Threats in Defence against Terror" held in Kiev, Ukraine, in May 2011. The purpose of this ATC, featuring 12 expert speakers from five countries, was to update participants drawn mainly from the police and military forces of the Ukraine on the latest developments in the field. Subjects covered include understanding terrorism; strategy, policy, legislation, prevention and enforcement; winning back religion by countering the misuse of scripture; terrorism and international law; the role of intelligence in defence against terrorism; captured terrorists as intelligence sources; crisis management and terrorism; terrorism and human rights; and energy security and terrorism.Providing an update in the fight against terrorism and furthering the science of counterterrorism, this book will be of interest to all whose work involves aspects of the terrorist threat.

Vulnerabilities abound in U.S. society. The openness and efficiency of our key infrastructures â€" transportation, information and telecommunications systems, health systems, the electric power grid, emergency response units, food and water supplies, and others â€" make them susceptible to terrorist attacks. Making the Nation Safer discusses technical approaches to mitigating these vulnerabilities. A broad range of topics are covered in this book, including: Nuclear and radiological threats, such as improvised nuclear devices and "dirty bombs;" Bioterrorism, medical research, agricultural systems and public health; Toxic chemicals and explosive materials; Information technology, such as communications systems, data management, cyber attacks, and identification and authentication systems; Energy systems, such as the electrical power grid and oil and natural gas systems; Transportation systems; Cities and fixed infrastructures, such as buildings, emergency operations centers, and tunnels; The response of people to terrorism, such as how quality of life and morale of the population can be a target of terrorists and how people respond to terrorist attacks; and Linked infrastructures, i.e. the vulnerabilities that result from the interdependencies of key systems. In each of these areas, there are recommendations on how to immediately apply existing knowledge and technology to make the nation safer and on starting research and development programs that could produce innovations that will strengthen key systems and protect us against future threats. The book also discusses issues affecting the government's ability to carry out the necessary science and engineering programs and the important role of industry, universities, and states, counties, and cities in homeland security efforts. A long term commitment to homeland security is necessary to make the nation safer, and this book lays out a roadmap of how science and engineering can assist in countering terrorism.

This volume presents the papers and summarizes the discussions of a workshop held in Goa, India, in January 2004, organized by the Indian National Institute of Advanced Science (NIAS) and the U.S. Committee on International Security and Arms Control (CISAC). During the workshop, Indian and U.S. experts examined the terrorist threat faced in both countries and elsewhere in the world, and explored opportunities for the U.S. and India to work together. Bringing together scientists and experts with common scientific and technical backgrounds from different cultures provided a unique opportunity to explore possible means of preventing or mitigating future terrorist attacks.

The objectives of the papers included in this volume were to critically consider the science and technology policies necessary for defence against terrorism and other threats to security; to assess the priorities for governments, universities, national laboratories and industrial firms; to identify how governments and the science and technology community can most effectively work together to enhance our security; and to share the experiences of policy makers and policy analysts. The importance and relevance of this selection of papers to the policy community is reflected in the seniority of the contributors. These included Dr. Parney Albright who held the position of Assistant Secretary for Science & Technology at the US Department of Homeland Security as well as senior figures from the UK Home Office, UK Office of Science & Technology, the European Commission and NATO.