Counter-Terrorism Research

Dr. Speckhard has been or is currently involved with the following counter-terrorism research projects:

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Battling the “University of Jihad”: Design of materials, focus testing and development of an evidence based ideological program to counter militant jihadi groups active on the Internet

Disengagment from Terrorism/Extremism: Design of a demonstration project in the UK working on the streets with radicals, extremists and would be terrorists to provide psychological and religious support for disengaging from supporting militant jihadi ideologies and terrorism. Consulted with the UK Home Office on their counter-radicalization and prevention strategies.

​Detainee Rehabilitation Project in Iraq: Under U.S. Department of Defense funding designed and helped to implement a pilot program of psychological counseling and Islamic challenge to engage with the 20,000+ security detainees and 800 juveniles held by U.S. led coalition forces in Iraq to encourage them to relinquish their commitment to militant jihadi ideologies, sectarian violence and terrorism.

​Radicalization in Europe: Field research in Belgium, Holland, the United Kingdom and France studying the radicalization process of the first-to-third generation immigrant population to understand the features which lead to radicalization, the desire to join extreme groups, embracing of terrorist ideology etc. The research consists of street and community based interviews and collecting additional information from security professionals.

​Diplomats and Soldiers Under Fire: NATO Sponsored Study of Psychological Resilience to Terrorism among Diplomats and Soldiers serving in Iraq.

​Resilience to Terrorism Study: NATO Sponsored Multi-site International Survey study of resilience to terrorism (Amman, Grozny, Casa Blanca, and Baghdad) exploring the dynamics of civil resilience to terrorism.

​Countering Human Bombs and Their Senders: Collaborative research project in Israel and the Palestinian territories interviewing incarcerated and “would be” human bombers, their senders and members of their sponsoring organizations (i.e. Hamas, PIJ, PFLP, Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, etc.), the family members and close acquaintances of accomplished bombers, community members and those experts working in the field and in counter-terrorism studies.

​Understanding The Roots of Modern Suicide Terrorism​: Morocco/Belgium An exploratory investigation with semi-structured interviews with the family members and close associates of the Casa Blanca suicide bombers, analysis of groups working between Morocco and in Europe, particularly Belgium, the Netherlands and France.

​Combating Suicide Terrorism – Chechnya: An exploratory investigation with semi- structured interviews of family members and close associates of (accomplished) suicide terrorists in Chechnya, potential terrorists in training, and community members. Design of a counter-terrorism psycho-social intervention for youth in refugee camps to combat recruitment and motivation strategies of terrorist organizations operating in Chechnya.

​Ideologies of Terrorism: Understanding and Predicting the Social, Psychological and Political Underpinnings of Terrorism – Brussels. Director and organizer of an advanced research meeting for consultations at NATO headquarters with a team of 17 international experts to examine the ideological and religious roots of terrorism, terrorism recruitment and motivational strategies.

​Psychological Aspects in Suicidal Terrorism and Hostage Taking – Moscow/Beslan. A study examining the psychological consequences of the Chechen terrorist takeover and subsequent rescue in the Moscow theater in October 2002, and the Beslan school takeover in Fall 2004; and to use the observations of the hostages to construct a descriptive study of this new type of terrorist in action, augmented with research interviews in Chechnya further examining the motivations, behaviors and ideologies involved with terrorism of this type.

​Abortion Clinic Terrorism in the United States – An exploratory study examining the motivations and behaviors regarding abortion clinic terrorism in the U.S.
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Mental Health Effects of Technological Disaster: The Psychological Aftermath of Toxic Contamination: Research project including in-depth interviews of victims, public policy workers, disaster response teams, and news people around the world regarding their experience and psychological responses to technological disasters and toxic contamination of various types.

​Acute Stress Disorder and Psycho-social After-effects of Terrorism in Americans Living Abroad: A research project looking at stress effects in Americans living abroad (in Brussels) after the September 11th attacks on America.

Publications:

Speckhard, A. (2012). Talking to terrorists: Understanding the psycho-social motivations of militant jihadi terrorists, mass hostage takers, suicide bombers and “martyrs”. McLean, VA: Advances Press.
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Speckhard, A., Jacuch, B., & Vanrompay, V. (2012). Taking on the persona of a suicide bomber: A thought experiment. Perspectives on Terrorism, 6(2), 51-73. Retrieved from http://www.terrorismanalysts.com/pt/index.php/pot/article/view/speckhard-taking-on-the-persona

Anne Speckhard, Verleye, G., & Jacuch, B. (2012). Assessing psycho-social resilience in diplomatic, civilian & military personnel serving in a high-threat security environment during counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in Iraq. Perspectives on Terrorism, 6(3). Retrieved from http://www.terrorismanalysts.com/pt/index.php/pot/article/view/speckhard-assessing-psycho-social

Laurie Fenstermacher, Larry Kuznar, Tom Rieger, and Anne Speckhard, eds. Protecting the Homeland from International and Domestic Terrorism Threats: Current Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives on Root Causes, the Role of Ideology, and Programs for Counter-radicalization and Disengagement Published by the US Department of Defense Strategic Multi-Layer Assessment (SMA) effort and the Air Force Research Laboratory under the Joint Chiefs of Staff and executed by STRATCOM/GISC and DDRE/RRTO, January 2010 http://www.start.umd.edu/start/publications/U_Counter_Terrorism_White_Paper_Final_January_2010.pdf

Speckhard, Anne (2010) Contextual and Motivational Factors in the Pathways to Radicalization: Why Location Matters, in Laurie Fenstermacher, Larry Kuznar, Tom Rieger, and Anne Speckhard, eds. Protecting the Homeland from International and Domestic Terrorism Threats: Current Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives on Root Causes, the Role of Ideology, and Programs for Counter-radicalization and Disengagement Published by the US Department of Defense Strategic Multi-Layer Assessment (SMA) effort and the Air Force Research Laboratory under the Joint Chiefs of Staff and executed by STRATCOM/GISC and DDRE/RRTO, January 2010 http://www.start.umd.edu/start/publications/U_Counter_Terrorism_White_Paper_Final_January_2010.pdf

Speckhard, Anne (2010) Prison and Community Based Disengagement and De-Radicalization Programs for Extremists Involved in Militant Jihadi Terrorism Ideologies and Activities Protecting the Homeland from International and Domestic Terrorism Threats: Current Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives on Root Causes, the Role of Ideology, and Programs for Counter-radicalization and Disengagement Published by the US Department of Defense Strategic Multi-Layer Assessment (SMA) effort and the Air Force Research Laboratory under the Joint Chiefs of Staff and executed by STRATCOM/GISC and DDRE/RRTO, January 2010 http://www.start.umd.edu/start/publications/U_Counter_Terrorism_White_Paper_Final_January_2010.pdf

Speckhard, Anne (2010) “Prison and Community Based Disengagement and De-Radicalization Programs for Extremists Involved in Militant Jihadi Terrorism Ideologies and Activities” Conflict and Terrorism

Speckhard, Anne (2010) Research Challenges involved in Field Research and Interviews
Regarding the Militant Jihad, Extremism and Suicide Terrorism, Democracy & Security 5, 199-222.

Speckhard, Anne (2009) Challenging Militant Jihadi Ideologies, RUSI Monitor, 8 (3) 22-24.

Speckhard, A. (2009). Militant Jihad in Europe: Fighting Home Grown Terrorism. In T. M. Pick, A. Speckhard & B. Jacuch (Eds.), Home-Grown Terrorism: Understanding and addressing the root causes of radicalisation among groups with an immigrant heritage in Europe. Amsterdam: IOS Press.,
Speckhard, Anne – Female Suicide Bombers in Iraq, Democracy & Security, 2009

Speckhard, Anne (2008) The Emergence of Female Suicide Terrorists. Studies in Conflict and Terrroism Volume 31:1-29, 2008.

Speckhard, Anne and Akhmedova, Khapta (2007) Black Widows and Beyond: Understanding the Motivations and Life Trajectories of Chechen Female Suicide Terrorists in Cindy Ness (Ed.) Women Terrorists and Militants: Agency, Utility and Organization Taylor and Francis, 2007.

Speckhard, Anne “De-Legitimizing Terrorism: Creative Engagement and Understanding of Psycho-Social Processes Involved in Ideological Support for Terrorism” Connections Winter Issue (I) (2007)

Speckhard, Anne “The New Global Jihad, 9-11 and the Use of Weapons of Mass Destruction: Changes in Mindset and Modus Operandi” Democracy & Security Volume 2 (pp.1-12) (2006)

Speckhard, Anne & Akhmedova, Khapta “The New Chechen Jihad: Militant Wahhabism as a Radical Movement and a Source of Suicide Terrorism in Post-War Chechen Society” Democracy & Security 2:1-53, 2006

Speckhard, Anne Defusing Human Bombs: Understanding Suicide Terrorism in Jeff Victoroff ed. Social and Psychological Factors in the Genesis of Terrorism (2006)

Speckhard, Anne Suicide Terrorism – Genesis of in G. Fink (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Stress. Oxford: Elsevier Ltd.

Speckhard, Anne Sacred Terror: Insights into the Psychology of Religously Motivated Terrorism in Christiane Timmerman, Dirk Hubsebaut, Sara Mels, Walter Nonneman & Walter Van Herck, eds. Faith Based Radicalism: Christianity, Islam and Judaism between Constructive Activism and Destructive Fanaticism, USCIA, Antwerp Belgium (2006)

Anne Speckhard & Khapta Akhmedova The Making of a Martyr: Chechen Suicide Terrorism. Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, volume 29, Issue 5, pgs. 1-65. 2006

Speckhard, Anne & Akhmedova, Khapta Black Widows: The Chechen Female Suicide Terrorists, in Yoram Schweitzer ed. Female Suicide Terrorists Jaffe Center Publication, Tel Aviv, Israel, 2006.

Akhmedova, Khapta & Speckhard, Anne A Multi-Causal Analysis of the Genesis of Suicide Terrorism: The Chechen Case Jeff Victoroff ed. Tangled Roots: Social and Psychological Factors in the Genesis of Terrorism (2006) IOS Press

Speckhard, Anne & Akhmedova, Khapta “Talking to Terrorists”. Journal of Psychohistory, Fall (2005) 33, 126-156.

Speckhard, Anne. “Understanding Suicide Terrorism: Countering Human Bombs and Their Senders” in Topics in Terrorism: Toward a Transatlantic Consensus on the Nature of the Threat” (Volume I) Eds. Jason S. Purcell & Joshua D. Weintraub Atlantic Council Publication 2005.

Speckhard, A., Tarabrina, N; Krasnov, V. & Mufel, N. “Stockholm Effects and Psychological Responses to Captivity in Hostages Held by Suicidal Terrorists” in S. Wessely & V. Krasnov eds. Psychological Responses to the new Terrorism: A NATO Russia Dialogue, IOS Press. (2005)

Anne Speckhard & Khapta Akhmedova, “Mechanisms of Generating Suicide Terrorism: Trauma and Bereavement as Psychological Vulnerabilities in Human Security – The Chechen Case”, in Jill Donnelly Ed. NATO Science Series, 2004.

Anne Speckhard “Soldiers for God: A Study of the Suicide Terrorists in the Moscow Hostage Taking Siege” The Roots of Terrorism: Contemporary Trends and Traditional Analysis” Edited by Oliver McTernan, NATO Science Series, Brussels, 2004.

Anne Speckhard, Nadejda Tarabrina, Valery Krasnov & Khapta Akhmedova, Observations of Suicidal Terrorists in Action: The Chechen Terrorist Takeover of a Moscow Theater (2004)

Speckhard, A; Tarabrina, N; Krasnov, V & Mufel, N. “Acute and Posttraumatic Stress Responses in Hostages Held by Suicidal Terrorists in the Takeover of a Moscow Theater” Journal of Traumatology Volume 11, Issue 1 (March, 2005).
Resilience to Terrorism
Pieter A. Maeseele, Gino Verleye, Isabelle Stevens, and Anne Speckhard Psychosocial resilience in the face of a mediated terrorist threat. Media, War & Conflict. 2008; 1(1): p. 50-69

Speckhard, A. Prevention Strategies and Promoting Psychological Resilience to Bioterrorism through Communication In M.S. Green, J. Zenilman and D. Cohen (Eds.), Risk assessment risk and communication strategies in bioterrorism preparedness. (2006)

Anne Speckhard, “Civil Society’s Response to Mass Terrorism: Building Resilience” in Combating Terrorism – Military and Non Military Strategies, Rohan Gunaratna editor, Eastern Universities Press, Singapore, 2004.
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Anne Speckhard, Ph.D. Inoculating Resilience to Terrorism: Acute and Posttraumatic Stress Responses in U.S. Military, Foreign & Civilian Services Serving Overseas After September 11th Traumatology, Vol. 8, No. 2 (June 2002)
Anne Speckhard, Ph.D. Acute Stress Disorder in Diplomats, Military and Civilian Americans Living Abroad Following the September 11th Terrorist Attacks on America (2002)

Anne Speckhard, Ph.D. Building Resilience in Civil Society’s Psychological Response to Mass Terrorism
​Presentations:
“Psycho-Social Aspects of Hostage Taking,” Presentation given to the NATO Centre of Excellence Defence Against Terrorism Presentation to the Efficient Crisis Management to Mitigate the Effects of Terrorist Activities Course, February 28, 2012, Istanbul, TURKEY
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​”Assessing Psycho-Social Resilience in Diplomatic, Civilian & Military Personnel Serving in High Threat Security Environments: Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism Operations in Iraq,” Presentation given to the NATO Centre of Excellence Defence Against Terrorism Defense Presentation to the Efficient Crisis Management to Mitigate the Effects of Terrorist Activities Course, February 29, 2012, Ankara, TURKEY

​”Female Suicide Terrorism,” Presentation given to the NATO Centre of Excellence Defence Against Terrorism Defense Against Suicide Terrorism Course, January 25, 2012, Ankara, TURKEY

​”Psycho-Social Motivations for Suicide Terrorism,” Presentation given to the NATO Centre of Excellence Defence Against Terrorism Defense Against Suicide Terrorism Course, January 23, 2012, Ankara, TURKEY

Radicalization and Psychology of Active Shooters, Presentation given to the US Army’s Worldwide Antiterrorism Conference, January 31, 2011, Orlando, Florida.

Assessing Psycho-Social Resilience in Diplomatic, Civilian & Military Personnel Serving in a High Threat Security Environment:Counter Insurgency & Counter Terrorism Operations in Iraq Presented to the NATO Research and Technology Military Mental Health and Ethical Dilemmas Group Meeting March 25, 2010, Bergen, Norway.

“Militant Jihadi Activities in Europe – Voices from the Ground” Presentation for the US State Department Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Counterterrorism Policy Workshop, February 25, 2010, Athens, Greece.

“Researching Motivations of those involved in the Militant Jihad” Presentation for the panel Countering Violent Extremism: the Government Perspective for the US State Department Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Counterterrorism Policy Workshop, February 24, 2010, Athens, Greece.

“Understanding and Countering the Militant Jihad: Results of International Field Research Interviews” Presentation to the Women’s International Club of Athens, March 26, 2010, Athens, Greece.

“Understanding and Countering Suicide and Militant Jihadi Terrorism” Presentation to the Women’s International Club, March 26, 2009, Athens, Greece.
“Pathways to Radicalization of Youth & Attempts at De-Radicalization: The Role of Education and Psychology” Presentation for the Policy Forum, Analytic Services, March 20, 2009, Arlington, VA

“Radicalization and Recruitment of Terrorists: How to Combat Terrorists Propaganda and Recruitment Strategies” Presentation for the International Law Institute, March 20, 2009, Washington, D.C.
“Understanding Radicalization: Trajectories, Vulnerabilities, Prevention, Detection, & Counter Initiatives” Presentation for the United States Homeland Security Institute Youth Recruitment and Radicalization Roundtable, March 19, 2009, Arlington, VA.

“Counter Radicalization Strategies and Challenging Terrorist Ideologies” Presentation for Combating International Terrorism: Turkey’s Added Value, RUSI, London, March 6, 2009.

“Moral Issues and Mental Health: Exploratory Research Examining Issues related to Military Responses to Minors and Children acting as the Opposing Force,” Presentation for the NATO Human Factors and Medicine Research Task Group 173 -Moral Dilemma’s and Military Mental Health , Nov 25, 2008, Paris.

“Religious pluralism in a securitized environment: enhancing inclusion and public safety” Discussant. 13th International Metropolis Conference: Mobility integration and development in a globalized world, 28 October, 2008. Bonn, Germany.

“Conducting sensitive research on justice policing and security: Research Interviews with those Involved in Suicide Terrorism and Militant Jihadi Violence.” Paper presented to the 13th International Metropolis Conference: Mobility integration and development in a globalized world, 30 October, 2008. Bonn, Germany.
“Jihadis in Europe” Briefing for the US DOD Strategic Multi-Layer Analysis (SMA) Group, Pentagon, September 8, 2008 Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

“Studying and Countering the Militant Jihad in Europe” Paper presented for the US Department of Defense Airforce, Sep 3, 2008. Dayton, Ohio.

“Psycho-Social and Cultural Aspects of Terorrism: NATO RTG -140 Task Group” Chair. Sophia, Bulgaria, May 29, 2008.

“Trauma, Loyalty and Identity Issues in the Military” Presentation for the UK Armed Forces Muslim Conference June 25, 2008

“Next Generation Initiative: Local Business for Global Rights. Middle East Regional Forum of Local and Regional Women Entrepreneurs” Participant. Workshop hosted by the Foreign Ministry of Greece, Athens, Greece May 2, 2008.

“Disengage: Challenging the Militant Jihad” Paper presented to the Regional NSSC Counterterrorism Working Group. Athens, Greece. April 10, 2008.
“Promoting Psycho-Social Resilience for Persons under Threat and in Protective Security: Perspectives from Both Sides.” Paper presented for the Invitational Expert Meeting on Psychosocial Aspects of Threat and Protected Security held by the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Center for Psychological Trauma AMC. 12-13 March 2008. The Hague, Netherlands.

“Understanding and Addressing Militant Jihadi Terrorism in Europe” Presentation for the NATO Advanced Research Workshop – Indigenous Terrorism: Understanding and Addressing the Root Causes of Radicalisation among Groups with an Immigrant Heritage in Europe, Budapest, March 7, 2008.
“Radicalization and Deradicalization Workshop” Paricipant. ICSR Counterterrorism Conference, London, Jan 2008

“Understanding Suicide Terrorism” Presentation for the Internal Security and Emergency Response Management Conference November 26, 2007 Brussels, Belgium.

EUREST – European Resources for the Victims of Terrorism Workshop – Consulting Psychologist/Participant. 20 September, 2007, Belgian Red Cross Headquarters (French Aisle), Brussels, Belgium.

“Pathways to Radicalization & Attempts at De-Radicalization and Terrorist Disengagement” Briefing for the US DOD Strategic Multi-Layer Analysis (SMA) Group, Pentagon, October 15, 2007 Washington, D.C.
EUREST – European Resources for the Victims of Terrorism Workshop – Consulting Psychologist/Participant. 17-18 September, 2007, Belgian Red Cross Headquarters (French Aisle), Brussels, Belgium.

“Modeling and Promoting Resilience in Victims of Terrorism” Paper presented at the OSCE High-Level Meeting On Victims of Terrorism, 13-14 September 2007, OSCE – Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austria

“Pathways to Radicalization of Youth & Attempts at De-Radicalization: The Role of Education and Psychology” Paper presented to the TWG/COTER Seminar on “Preventing and Addressing the radicalisation of youth” European Union, 11 September 2007Brussels, Belgium

“Deradicalization Strategies in Prisons, on the Internet and in Street Programs” Paper presented at the TWG/COTER Seminar on “Preventing and Addressing the radicalisation of youth”
European Union 11 September 2007, Brussels, Belgium

“Modeling Psycho-Social Resilience in Civil and Military Populations” Social Sciences Support to Military Personnel Engaged in Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism Operations NATO/Russia Exploratory Group (ET-079) NATO HQ, Brussels, Belgium September 3-4, 2007

“Pathways to Radicalization and De-Radicalisation” Paper presented for Terrorism in the UK: A Workshop on Radicalisation, 2nd May 2007, RUSI, Whitehall, London.

“Radicalization to Militant Jihad amongst First to Third Generation Immigrants in Europe” Keynote Address for NATO Advanced Research Workshop- Social Stress of Immigrants/Members of Minority Groups as a Factor in Terrorist Behaviour, April 28, 2007 Akiryat Shmona, Israel

“Pathways to Radicalisation/Deradicalisation: Fighting Militant Jihadist Ideologies” Presentation for Faces of Terrorism: Cross-Disciplinary Explorations Conference, Organised by the Centre for Investigative Psychology at The Maritime Museum, Liverpool, UK. April 25, 2007.

“The Psychology of the Attack” Opening Address – Paper presented to the American Society for Industrial Security, Arlington, VA, March 19, 2007.

“The Psychology of Female Suicide Terrorists: A Distinctive Typology or Identity?” Paper presented to IISS Workshop on Suicide Bombing – London, March 12, 2007.

“Psycho-Social Responses to Terrorism: Modeling Psycho-Social Resilience” Terrorism and Politics Conference, RUSI London, February 15, 2007.
Participant: Terrorism Networks Wilton Park February 10, 2007.

“Psycho-Social Underpinnings of Suicide Terrorism in Conflict and Non-Conflict Zones” presentation to Women in Security – Brussels, Feb 5, 2007.
“Psychosocial, Cultural and Organizational Aspects of Terrorism” Report to the NATO Human Factors & Medicine Exploratory Team 067 – Educating Adaptable Military Leaders and Training Teams for Improvement of Coalition Operations, 15-17 Jan 2007. Paris

“Psycho-Social Motivational Factors for Suicide Terrorism in Conflict and Non-Conflict Zones” Presentation to NATO Advanced Research Workshop – Suicide Bombers – the Psychological, Religious and Other Imperatives Lucy Cavendish College – Cambridge University 10-12 December, 2006.

“The Response of Civil Society to Mass Terrorism: Modelling Psycho-Social Resilience to Terrorism” NATO Advanced Research Workshop – The Psychological Impact of Terrorist Act: How we can Better Help its Victims and Society -Nov 30, 2006, Amman, Jordan

“Understanding Organizational, Ideological and Individual Aspects of Suicide Terrorism” – Presentation to the NATO RTG-140 Experts Meeting – Psychosocial, Cultural and Organizational Aspects of Terrorism, Rome, Nov 20-21, 2006.

Participant/Discussant – Roundtable Discussion on “Developing a Comprehensive Global Biosecurity Regime” Hosted by the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General of the Conference On Disarmament – Tim Caughley, Organized by Green Cross International, and its affiliates, Green Cross Switzerland, Green Cross Russia, and Global Green USA, Palais des Nations, United Nations, November 8, 2006. Geneva, Switzerland.

Participant/Speaker – Countering Ideological Support for Terrorism – Southeast Asia Violent Ideology Strategy (SEAVIS) Seminar USPACOM, Joint Special Operations University, and the Joint Information Operations Center, United States Department of Defense, October 31-Nov 1, 2006, San Antonio, Texas.

“Modeling Psycho-Social Resilience to Radiological Terrorism: Lessons Learned from Chernobyl and other Toxic Disasters” Paper presented to the NATO Advanced Research Workshop – Social and Psychological Affects of Radiological Terrorism October 23-24, 2006 Bratislava, Slovakia

“Modeling Psycho-Social Resilience to Radiological Terrorism: Lessons from Chernobyl and other Toxic Disasters” Paper presented to the NATO/CCMS Pilot Study Workshop – Risk Assessment and Chernobyl Accident Consequences: Lessons Learned for the Future October 19, 2006, Kiev, Ukraine

“Terror on the Internet: Induction of Secondary Trauma and other Psychological Mechanisms for Motivating Recruits to the Global Jihad” Paper presented to Hypermedia Seduction for Terrorist Recruiting – NATO Advanced Research Workshop 17-21 September, 2006 Eilat, Israel.

“Psychological Issues in Fighting Terrorism” Paper Presented to Fighting Terrorism Critical Lessons and Key Issues for the 21st Century Conference Duncan House, School of Law, University of East London, September 15th, 2006 London, UK.

“De-legitimizing Terrorism: Creative Engagement in the Psycho-Social, Ideological and Political Processes Supporting Terrorism” Paper Presented to the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies Countering Ideological Support for Terrorism Conference – Lessons Learned and Future Policy: International/Regional, Interdisciplinary and Theological Perspectives September 14, 2006, Garmisch, Germany.

“Making a Martyr: From Jihadist Ideology to Cosmic Warrior” Presentation to Dying for Faith: Religiously Motivated Violence in the Contemporary World Department of Theology and Religious Studies, King’s College, 12 September, 2006 London.

“Psychological, Cultural and Organizational Aspects of Terrorism: Group and Individual Pathways and Motivations for Enacting Terrorism – Differences between Conflict and Non-Conflict Zones” Paper presented to the NATO Human Factors and Medicine Advisory Group Panel Meeting for the Mediterranean Dialogue, July 25, 2006, Amman, Jordan.

“Chechen Suicide Operations Combined with Mass Hostage Taking: Mindset of the Terrorists and Hostages in the Nord Ost and Beslan Sieges” Paper presented to International Symposium: Early Responders Distance Learning Center July 19, 2006, Philadelphia, PA.

“Chechen Suicide Terrorism: Tactics, Enlistment, Motivations & Ideology” Paper presented to Suicide Terrorism: Motivations and Countermeasures Conference, 17 July 2006, Mclean, VA

“Child Warriors as the Opposing Force: Addressing the Psychological Issues for Soldiers and Child Combatants” Paper presented to the NATO Human Factors and Medicine Experts Exploratory Team Meeting –ET 068, Child Warriors as the Opposing Force July 5, 2006, Amsterdam.

Observer – NATO Parlimentary Assembly Mediterranean Special Group Security Challenges in the Mediterranean and the Middle East July 2-3, 2006 Naples, Italy.

“Psycho-Social and Cultural Aspects of Terrorism” Presentation to the NATO-Russia Counterterrorism Experts Meeting, June 20, 2006, Moscow, Russia.
Chair/Organizer for the NATO Human Factors and Medicine Panel: Experts Team Meeting – HFM -140/RTG – Psychosocial, Organizational and Cultural Aspects of Terrorism June 26-27 Paris, France.

“Suicide Bombers in Chechnya” Paper presented for The Changing Faces of Jihadism: Profiles, Biographies, Motivations – European Workshop Kings College, April 28, 2006, London.

“Igniting a Fire in Europe: The Role of State, Culture and Religion in the Radicalization Processes Occurring Within First to Third Generation Migrant Communities in Europe” Paper presented for the Israeli National Defense College (IDF) conference Global Responses to Terrorism: The Context of State, Culture & Religion 23-26 January 2006.

“The New Chechen Jihad: Suicide Terrorism in Chechnya” Paper presented to the University of Haifa – National Security Studies Center International Conference -Current and Future Trends in the Study of Terrorism Haifa, Israel. January 9-11, 2006.

“Countering Terrorism Ideologies” Round Table presentation with the specialists of the International Relations Department University of World Economy and Diplomacy – Tashkent, Uzbekistan November 23, 2006.

“Legal and Ethical Issues in the Fight Against Terrorism” Paper presented for the International Law Faculty, University of World Economy and Diplomacy Tashkent, Uzbekistan November 22, 2006
“Understanding Suicide Terrorism” paper presented for the International Relations Faculty of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy Tashkent, Uzbekistan November 21, 2006

“Psychological Warfare – Containing a Virulent Virus: Social and Psychological Factors in the Genesis of Terrorism” UCSIA Summer Seminar: Faith Based Radicalism: Christianity, Islam and Judaism between Constructive Activism and Destructive Fanaticism, Antwerp, Belgium, Sept 20, 2005.

Chair of the Religion and Terrorism Panel UCSIA Summer Seminar: Faith Based Radicalism: Christianity, Islam and Judaism between Constructive Activism and Destructive Fanaticism, Antwerp, Belgium, Sept 22, 2005.

“Sacred Terror: Religious Ideology & Terrorism” Keynote address for the Religion and Terrorism Panel UCSIA Summer Seminar: Faith Based Radicalism: Christianity, Islam and Judaism between Constructive Activism and Destructive Fanaticism, Antwerp, Belgium, Sept 22, 2005

“Differing Motivational Sets for Suicide Terrorism: Social and Psychological Factors in the Genesis of Suicide Bombing” Paper presented for NATO Advanced Research Workshop Social and Psychological Factors in the Genesis of Terrorism
Castelvecchio Pascoli, Italy September 17, 2005

“Researching Suicide Terrorism” Paper presented for the Human Factors & Medicine Panel Meeting on Psychosocial, Organisational and Cultural Aspects of Terrorism, Amsterdam, July 5, 2005.

“Mass Media and Terrorism” Paper presented for the Human Factors & Medicine Panel Meeting on Psychosocial, Organisational and Cultural Aspects of Terrorism, Amsterdam, July 4-6, 2005.

“Mass Media and Terrorism: The Question of How to Cooperate for the Public Good” Paper presented for NATO-Russia Counter-Terrorism Advisory Group Workshop St. Petersburg, Russia, June 25, 2005.

“Prevention Strategies and Promoting Resilience to Bioterrorism through Communication” Paper presented for the NATO Advanced Research Workshop: Risk Assessment and Risk Communication Related to Bioterrorism Ein Gedi, Israel, June 10, 2005.

“Female Suicide Terrorists: Recruitment, Training and Operations” Paper presented for the Technical Expert Workshop on Suicide Terrorism OCSE Vienna, Austria, May 20, 2005.

Chair for “National Experiences in Fighting Terrorism” panel of the Security through Science NATO Advanced Research Workshop: Scientific Collaboration for Defense against Terrorism Konstanz, Germany, April 15, 2005.

“Free Speech & Motivational Strategies of Terrorism Ideologies” paper presented for the Security through Science NATO Advanced Research Workshop: Scientific Collaboration for Defense against Terrorism Konstanz, Germany, April 16, 2005.

“Understanding Suicide Terrorism: The Psychology of Human Bombs” Paper presented for Grand Rounds Georgetown University Medical School, Washington, D.C. Feb 24, 2005.

“Female Terrorists as Individuals” Paper presented for the Female Terrorism Workshop Arlington, VA, February 23, 2005.

“Female Suicide Terrorists: Culture, Society & Martyrdom” Paper presented for the Female Suicide Terrorism Workshop Arlington, VA, February 23, 2005.

“Understanding Suicide Terrorism: The Psychology of Human Bombs” Paper presented for the NATO Advanced Research Workshop – Ideologies of Terrorism: Understanding and Predicting the Social, Psychological and Political Underpinnings of Terrorism Brussels, Belgium, January 30-Feb1, 2005.

“Building Resilience in Civil Society’s Psychological Response to Mass Terrorism” Paper presented for National Security Conference hosted by the Singapore Government and the Singapore, January 13, 2005
“Building Resilience in Civil Society’s Psychological Response to Mass Terrorism” Paper presented for the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies Conference, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore January 12, 2005.

“Culture, Society & Martydom” Paper Presented for Islamic Suicide Bombers Workshop, Arlington, VA, Dec 7, 2004.

“Policy Consequences for the United States: Islamic Suicide Bombings in Comparative Perspective” Paper Presented for Islamic Suicide Bombers Workshop, Arlington, VA, Dec 7, 2004.

“Suicide Terrorism: Addressing the Underpinnings of Recruitment and Motivations on the Organizational and Individual Level” Presentation for the United Kingdom Foreign Office, London, Dec 3, 2004.

“Understanding Suicide Terrorism: Countering Human Bombs and Those who Send Them” Presentation for the Atlantic Council’s Topics in Terrorism: Toward a Transatlantic Consensus on the Nature of the Threat conference, Brussels,Nov 29, 2004.

“Understanding the Psychology of Suicide Bombers” Paper presented for Wilton Park’s and United States Institute for Peace Conference War on Terrorism, Wilton Park, Nov 21, 2004.

Chair of the Working Group on Challenges to and Successes in Combating Terrorist Financing – Mediterranean & Middle East, for the NATO Defense College “Financial and Economic Aspects of the Fight Against Terrorism” – Rome, October 14-15, 2004.

Invited Participant, 6th International Security Forum, Montreux, Switzerland. October 4-6, 2004.

“Building Resilience in Civil Society’s Responses to Mass Terrorism” Presentation to the Vesalius Forum – Communicating about and Coping with Terrorism: Responses in a New World Order, Vesalius College, Free University of Brussels September 29, 2004.

“Civil Society’s Response to Mass Terrorism: Building Resilience” Presentation at the East West Institute’s Worldwide Security Initiative Civil Society’s Response to The Challenges of Terrorism: A Contribution to the Transatlantic Dimension of Europe in the World Lisbon, Portugal, June 6-8, 2004.

“Making of a Martyr: The Psychological Underpinnings of Suicide Terrorism” Keynote Address for Suicide Terrorism: Strategic Importance and Counterstrategies, NATO Advanced Research Workshop – Lisbon, June 10-14, 2004.

“Mechanisms of Generating Suicide Terrorism: Trauma and Bereavement as Psychological Vulnerabilities in Human Security: The Chechen Case” Keynote Address with Khapta Ahkmedova, Ph.D. at the Developing Strategies to Deal with Trauma in Children of Countries on the NATO Periphery in order to Assure the Social Stablility Necessary for Post-Conflict Recovery and Reconstruction, Case Study: Developing a Strategy to address Post-Conflict Trauma in 12-15-year olds in Serbia, a NATO Advanced Research Workshop, Slovak Republic, March 6, 2004.

“Suicidal Terrorists in Action: The Moscow Hostage Siege” – Keynote Address for the The Modern Roots of Terrorism: Contemporary Trends and Traditional Analysis, NATO Advanced Research Workshop – Prague, Jan 27, 2004.

“Terrorism & Religion the Plague of the 21rst Century: A Worldwide Perspective” Invited Research Presentation to the NATO Security Related Civil Science Committee, Brussels, May 6, 2003.

“Soldiers for God: Insights into the Psychology of Religiously Motivated Terrorism”. Paper presented for the Harvard Club of Belgium, Brussels, May 21, 2003.