CT Strategy and Policy

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Juris Doctor

Introduction/Description. Counterterrorism strategy and policy in the United States has ebbed and flowed over the last several decades as a result of changes in the terrorist threat landscape, the development of new counterterrorism tools, resources, and capabilities, and the introduction of counterterrorism authorities and legislation. Still, there are gaps and seams in the existing US counterterrorism architecture, and new threats emerge, old ones recede, and other national security priorities rise in prominence. This class is designed to provide a foundational overview of US counterterrorism strategy and policy stretching back forty five years beginning with the Reagan administration. As a result, it does not focus exclusively on a particular terrorist threat nor one particular policy or counterterrorism approach. Rather, it provides a more holistic perspective that looks across the combination of threats and US policy choices over this time frame so students can appreciate the tough choices made at particular moments, and the short- and long-term implications that resulted. Course Learning Objectives. The course has four key objectives and students will: a) assess the features of the US counterterrorism enterprise, key definitions and authorities, and legal foundations; b) examine the complex terrorist threat phenomenon to the United States and compare and contrast different terrorist adversaries; c) evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different counterterrorism approaches over the last forty five years; and, d) develop practical analytic, writing, and oral presentation skills relevant to national security career fields. Course Grading: This class encompasses several graded components to include two policy memos of various style and format; four summaries of course themes and materials, a class presentation that involves teamwork and collaboration with other students; and, in-class participation and engagement.