Sharad Joshi

International Crisis Negotiation Exercise

The International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise (ISCNE) is a three-day, experiential learning opportunity in diplomacy and negotiations. This year's scenario is based on a hypothetical crisis in the South China Sea. Tensions in the regions have been rising for the last several years with the intensification of rivalry between China and the West, and with maritime disputes between Beijing and regional powers such the Philippines. Up to nine delegations, comprised of students, will try to find diplomatic solutions to a complex set of issues in this crisis. This includes matters involving climate change, resources, militarization, territory, international trade, and governance. The simulation will allow you to think creatively about this region and experience what diplomatic negotiators do to solve real-world issues affecting people globally.

The course is an introduction to the subject of terrorism. The course will focus on a range of fundamental questions, such as: What is Terrorism? What causes Terrorism? Why do terrorist groups emerge and how do they end? What is extremism? Why do individuals join terrorist groups? What are lone wolf terrorists? What is leaderless jihad? These are but a few of the elements that will be explored over the course of the semester. The course also aims to expose students to a wide range of terrorist groups and ideologies.

Current Trends in Terrorism Research

The course examines current themes and policy-relevant analytical questions regarding present-day terrorism. These topics include alternative conceptions of terrorism studies, including from the critical terrorism studies perspective; issues of gender and terrorism; media and extremism; terrorism in the cyber domain; conspiracy theories and their impact on extremism and terrorism. It will also discuss issues of terrorism research methods issues that have arisen in recent years. From a forecasting perspective, it will examine how David Rapoport’s waves of terrorism is applicable in assessing global extremism and terrorism today. Topics will also include the transnational nature of far-right extremism and terrorism, as well as recent research on psychological factors and online radicalization.

Syllabus topics:

1. Critical terrorism studies – theory and policy

2. Terrorism research methods. Debates in terrorism research

3. Terrorism and civil wars

4. Gender issues and terrorism

5. How terrorists use natural disasters for political influence

6. Psychology and contemporary radicalization; online radicalization and the
psychological basis

7. Fifth wave of terrorism and forecasting

8. Contemporary state-sponsored terrorism; risks for the state

9. The transnational nature of contemporary far-right terrorism

10. Media and terrorism; disinformation campaigns

11. Cyber terrorism

12. Conspiracy theories and terrorism/extremism

13. Competition amongst terrorist groups

Terrorist violence has persisted in various parts of South Asia for several decades. A variety of interconnected reasons can be assigned to this phenomenon – state sponsorship, separatist tendencies, religious and sectarian divides, and political meddling. Terrorism in South Asia is also a crucial concern because of its broader connections to extra-regional terrorist networks. The two dominant states in South Asia possess nuclear weapons and have a long history of military conflict and have periodically experienced crises situations provoked by terrorist attacks. Additionally, the history of proliferation networks and concerns over Pakistan’s nuclear security further exacerbate the threat perception from terrorist networks.

The object of this course is to understand the causes and dimensions of terrorism in South Asia and to analyze positions adopted by the involved parties, state and non-state. From the policy perspective, this is essential toward formulating responses to terrorism in the region. South Asia is conventionally defined as the region comprising the countries of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives. But for the purposes of this seminar we will also look at developments in Afghanistan (generally considered as South-West Asia), given its crucial links to terrorism issues in South Asia.

Various parts of South-East Asia have been plagued by terrorist violence in recent decades. South-East Asia refers to the region eastward from Burma/Myanmar till the Philippines. This course studies the phenomenon of terrorism in countries of the region such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Some of the groups that this course examines include – Jemaah Islamiyah, Abu Sayyaf, Moro Islamic Liberation Front – their objectives, characteristics, composition, ideologies, tactics and fund-raising. Apart from these cases, the course also examines thematic issues such as the prospect of WMD terrorism and proliferation of WMD materials, maritime terrorism and piracy, and U.S. policy on counter-terrorism in South-East Asia. We also discuss connections between groups in South-East Asia and regional and global terrorist groups elsewhere, such as Al Qaeda and the Taliban. In order to have a comprehensive picture of non-state security threats in the region, the course also examines the various insurgent movements in Myanmar. Finally, given the close security dynamics between Australia and South-East Asia, this course also looks at terrorism-related issues in Australia.

In the realm of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), South Asia is one of the key regions of analysis. This course takes a comprehensive look at the role of WMD in the strategic thinking of various actors involved in the South Asian security framework. It is important to note that South Asian nuclear issues cannot be studied in isolation from other regional and global dynamics. States such as the U.S., China, and Russia are crucial players in the South Asian strategic framework. The course examines various reasons behind WMD acquisition by India and Pakistan, concentrating especially on nuclear weapons. These factors include threat perceptions, domestic imperatives and nationalistic attitudes. A key element of nuclear weapons programs is the development of effective delivery systems such as missiles and aircraft. Analysis of such programs provides an indicator of current and future strategy. In this context, both India and Pakistan have made major strides in their cruise and ballistic missile programs to make their nuclear strategy more credible. At the same time, neither side has a clearly enunciated nuclear doctrine, although attempts have been made in this direction. This is crucial in context of a reliable command and control system and for crisis stability. Another major issue covered in this course is the proliferation of WMD materials to non-state actors or aspiring nuclear states by proliferation networks connected to South Asia. Relatedly, policymakers in the region and elsewhere are also concerned with the danger of nuclear terrorism. These are some of the prominent issues concerning weapons of mass destruction in South Asia. The two sides have periodically taken steps to prevent nuclear crises situations. Apart from nuclear weapons, this seminar also examines chemical and biological weapons policy in the two countries.

Student must obtain a faculty advisor, complete a Directed Study proposal form, obtain signatures, and submit to the Associate Dean of Academic Operations for approval.