GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY Department of

SYLLABUS

SOCI 195-01 SOCIOLOGY OF Professor Daddio Car Barn Room 201 Fall 2011

E-Mail: [email protected] Office: Room 209 Car Barn Office Phone: 202-687-3658 Office Hours: MW 7:00 - 8:00PM

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

This course focuses on terrorism from a sociology perspective. Sociology is the study of human social interaction and structure in groups. Sociologists examine systematically the ways people behave and arrange themselves in groups. Why people behave and organize the ways they do. We tend to take the behavior and structure for granted, since we are part of the group, but our perspective is clouded by what we have been taught to believe. By systematically observing and analyzing the group interactions and the group structures, sociologists can describe, explain, and interpret the group behavior patterns, and explain the influences of the on that behavior. Sociology’s structure/functional, interaction, and critical theories have been very useful in understanding social issues, and have been very influential in deciding social policy issues: sometimes beneficially, sometimes not so well.

Sociology of Terrorism takes a and social control approach to the concept, theories, structure, and control of terrorism. A concept of many meanings and applications, the first section of the course will examine the social construct of the concept, terrorism, from several social and cultural perspectives. The second component of the course will examine theories of terrorism from the traditional functional/structural, conflict, and interaction theories. The first is the theoretical approach normally applied by governments, the second is the classic argument used by terrorist groups, while the third theory focuses on the protagonists and the victims. Part three will focus on the current of terrorism, and part four on the current debate about controlling terrorism. The method is lecture participation, and discussion. The last section will present expected future trends in terrorism.

The term terrorism has been used to describe such divergent deviant behaviors as guerrilla warfare, the exploding of the Oklahoma City Federal Building, bombing abortion clinics, bombing of transportation systems in Europe, and of course the September 11 events. The concept has been applied to political groups who have declared that their plight is so desperate that they resort to draconian measures to draw public attention to their cause. The same concept has been applied to individuals who have terrorized a public and to state governments who terrorize or support people who do. The term also means acts that have had terrorizing consequences.

People have applied the label inconsistently, and often with political, social, and cultural biases. For example, the United States never labeled the IRA a terrorist group, though the IRA took pride in their terrorist acts. Often one group’s terrorist is another group’s freedom fighter or hero. Sometimes terrorism is the province of the military and other times the law enforcement system. So defining terrorism universally is difficult, and the application very confusing.

Most perspectives about terrorism concern practical steps to counter it with opposing force or physical preventive measures. These actions tend to be immediate and short focused. The U.S. reactions to September 11 occurred this way. Another focus is the cultural and social perspective that affects the use and effectiveness of terrorism and its control. For example, though terrorism has been effective in some cases, its application in most cases has had negative consequences in the U.S. Committing a terrorist act here tended to elicit negative reaction from the , the opposite of what traditional terrorism is supposed to elicit. American mores require the shielding of the innocent from the combatants. It is the innocents that usually suffer in terrorist acts – in some definitions - it is the purpose. Terrorists target the innocent. Then again the American culture’s focus on the individual freedom creates a duel of supporting the freedom issues of some groups, but withdrawing support when an innocent is hurt. Terrorists use fear and intimidation as a sword, and the public’s acceptance or rejection of the weapons they choose may have more to do with controlling terrorism than the immediate tools we normally use to counter such threats.

Cultural differences further complicate the issue. The U.S. has its roots as rebels. Many believe that the U.S. enjoys its culture of violence (think movies and TV). And there is the fundamental difference in the U.S. and European cultural focus on the individual over the group and the Asian and Eastern cultural value on the group over the individual. That difference makes it easier for members of some cultures to sacrifice themselves in dramatic violence, with more fearful results.

Another important perspective is the social control mechanisms applied. Terrorism often has at its aim, an overreaction from the controlling forces in order to aggravate the members of the society. The result is hopefully to turn the populace against the government in power. So the way respond has social significance. International terrorism bridges the domains of the political-military and the criminal justice institutions. International terrorists, as most international criminals, operate along the boundaries of these institutions, and with great success.

Then again, most U.S. terrorism experts think that 9/11 and its aftermath was conducted by a new type of terrorist who wishes to engage in war with the U.S and other western nations. Walter Laqueur, Bruce Hoffman, Ian Lesser, and others predicted the rise in terrorist violence. They stated that the rules applied to the traditional terrorist do not apply to the new terrorist. Because new terrorists want to win the war, they will engage in acts as violent as possible in order to kill or maim as many enemies as possible. Their goal is for the enemy to lose the will to fight, and give up. Some in the foreign community disagree. They think that there is not a new type of terrorist.

Finally, U.S. national terrorism policy has been ad hoc, and disjointed. This may be due to little theoretically discussion of the subject, and more a reaction to specific events that are after-the-fact. The U.S. had limited experience with terrorism, especially foreign terrorists operating in the U.S. Since not prepared, the U.S. reacted as well as could be expected, but certainly not with a cohesive plan. So the U.S. response to terrorism seems to be in the extremes: overreaction and under reaction. Time has muted the crisis mentality, and we have begun to examine in detail what to do about terrorism; what are its causes; and how to deal with its consequences. Terrorism is an interesting transnational problem. Like most transnational issues, do not expect a lot of answers. Expect a lot of discussion.

The specific objectives for this course are:

1. Examine the social construct of the concept, terrorism, from social and cultural perspectives. 2. Discuss theories of terrorism from the traditional functional/structural, conflict, and interaction theories. 3. Explore the current issues in terrorism 4. Explore efforts to control terrorism 5. Detail the anticipated terrorism trends

COURSE TEXTS:

Required Books: We will use several books for this course. The books were selected based on their relevant content, availability, and importance. All are mandatory. All the books can be found on on- line book sellers and at the bookstore. Hoffman wrote the definitive book and is the definitive expert on terrorism. He is now at Georgetown. The Wright book is an interesting account of 9/11. That event was so monumental; it will always be part of terrorism courses and discussions. Wright is a commercial writer, so some of the information is not exactly accurate because he did not have access to some information, but the book is well written, and gives a good perspective on the event and the people involved. Netanyahu writes a short well written essay on security. All the experts still like Reich’s book as the definitive history piece that’s easy to read. Cronin reminds us that terrorism ends. The books are:

Hoffman, Bruce 2006 Inside Terrorism (Paperback) Columbia University Press; revised and expanded edition ISBN-13: 978-0231126991

Wright, Lawrence 2007 The Looming Tower, Al-Qaeda and the road to 9/11 Knopf Publishing ISBN-13: 978-1-4000-3084-2

Netanyahu, Benjamin 2001 Fighting Terrorism, How Democracies Can Defeat Domestic and International Terrorists, 2001 Edition Farrar, Straus & Giroux (paper) 978-0374524975

Reich, Walter (Editor), Walter Laqueur 1998 Origins of Terrorism: Psychologies, Ideologies, Theologies, Woodrow Wilson Press (New Forward Edition) (paper) 978-0943875897

Cronin, Audrey Kurth 2009 How Terrorism Ends: Understanding the Decline and Demise of Terrorist Campaigns [Hardcover] Princeton University Press ISBN-13: 978-0691139487

Recommended Additional Resources. The following books are not required. They are listed as additional resources available to you. The Combs book is more of a text about terrorism. Laqueur, Pillar, Netanyahu and Reich are books often used in a terrorism course. I have used them in the past, and they provide a little more detail in their areas. Bloom’s book is very good, and I used it the last couple of years.. She focuses on the long standing Tamil Tigers, who were defeated this year. Oliver and Steinberg provide more information on suicide terrorists.

Bloom, Mia 2007 Dying to Kill, the Allure of Suicide Terror Columbia University Press, New Ed edition ISBN-13: 978-0231133210

Combs, Cindy 2005 Terrorism in the 21st Century Prentice-Hall, 4th edition ISBN-13: 978-0131930636

Post, Jerrold 2007 The Mind of the Terrorist: The Psychology of Terrorism from the IRA to al- Qaeda Palgrave Macmillan ISBN-13: 978-1403966117

Laqueur, Walter 2005 Voices of Terror Sourcebooks, Inc. ISBN-13: 978-1594290350

Oliver, Anne Marie and Paul F. Steinberg 2006 The Road to Martyrs' Square: A Journey into the World of the Suicide Bomber (Paperback) Oxford University Press ISBN-13: 978-0195305593

Pillar, Paul R 2004 Terrorism and U.S. Foreign Policy Brookings Institution Press, paperback edition ISBN-13: 978-0815770770

Levi, Michael 2007 On Nuclear Terrorism Harvard University Press ISBN-13: 978-0674026490

Internet Resources: If you want to do a paper and need additional research information or want more information about a topic in which you are interested, you can find it here. You can use Google, or one of the other popular search engines (is there another popular search engine) to find sites about your topic. Some of the often-used reference sites are: Department of Homeland Security – www.dhs.gov

The Lost Department does have some impressive senior officials that are very experienced, and many have ties to Georgetown. In 2010, the Department is a lot better that it was when it began. You might get a job here, since they are trying to convert many contract positions to career positions. In any case you can always check the color of the day threat level which has not changed in eight years.

The U.S. State Department – Counter terrorism – www.state.gov

This is the U.S. Government’s official web site on international terrorism. This site provides the party line along with the party definitions. It is a good place to start, or analyze the functional/structural perspective. Much of their effort has been transferred to Homeland Security

The Rand Corporation – www.rand.org

RAND is one of the original think tanks first solely performed research for the U.S. Air Force. Later it branched out into other areas, and since the early seventies, a major specialty has been terrorism. Brian Jenkins is an icon of U.S. terrorism policy.

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) – www.csis.org

This is a think tank in Washington, DC where Walter Laqueur resides

James Martin Center for Non-Proliferation Studies http://cns.miis.edu/

The Center is another think tank that focuses more on the foreign country stockpiles. This is a regular place for SFS majors.

National Counterintelligence Center http://www.nctc.gov/

Keeps the U.S. statistics about terrorism and discusses trends. It is part of the Director for National Intelligence Officer. Get a lot of criticism too.

National Security Branch, FBI http://www.fbi.gov/hq/nsb/nsb.htm

In the U.S., intelligence is divided, and domestic intelligence is the responsibility of the FBI. The FBI has hired a good number of Georgetown graduates for this program. Council on Foreign Relations www.cfr.org

Washington think tank with broad international interests

9-11 Commission – www.9-11commission.gov

The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States (also known as the 9-11 Commission) is closed, and the final report is here.

United Nations - http://www.un.org/terrorism/ Professor Arend’s favorite place

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Tests (2): Your grade will be based on your scores on two non-cumulative tests, each worth one-half of your grade. Each test will consist of 50 multiple-choice and true or false questions each worth 2 points. The first test will cover roughly the first half of the course, and will be given around midterm. The second test will include the balance of the course, and will be given during the exam time. Questions for both tests will come from the lectures (about 80%) and the readings (about 20%). To avoid some of the normal difficulty with objective questions, you will be allowed to annotate any and all answers. If you do not want to select one of the five options on the multiple-choice questions or true or false for the others, you can make a selection and write a short note explaining your answer. If you are confused by the choices listed, you can answer the question your way. Make as many annotations as you may like, they usually help. If you do not know the answer, good luck. No makeup exams will be given unless you have an officially excused absence.

Class Participation: Class attendance is mandatory; you need to be there. Much of the class will be discussion about the issues. We know a limited amount about the topic, and there is disagreement about the definitions, causes, solutions, and even the future directions. So I will begin a topic, and based on the readings, we will discuss the questions that develop around each topic. Based on that discussion, your comments and you evaluations, we will develop a better understanding of terrorism. So you have to be there, you have to be prepared, and you have to participate in the discussion. Though that dialogue we should come to a better understanding of modern terrorism, and the needed solutions. Notes are important in this class. The reading assignments are meant to support the lectures. Paper: If you wish, you can write a 10 to 12 page paper to supplement you grades on the tests. The paper would be worth 1/3rd of your grade. So the paper reduces the importance of the two tests. Some students are not comfortable with objective tests, and this is a way of compensating for that concern. Writing a paper is a good way to learn more about a specific topic that interests you. You need to discuss you idea for a paper with me, and I need to approve your topic before you write the paper. The paper must be typed and double-spaced. Use the reference system you are used to using. You can submit the paper to me by E-mail. The paper is due the last day of class.

Grade Calculations: Each test is worth 100 points. If you do a paper, the paper is worth 100 points. The averaged numeric grade will be converted to a letter grade. The grading scheme is:

A = 92 to 100 A- = 90 or 91 B+ = 88 or 89 B = 85 to 87 B- = 83 or 84 C+ = 81 or 82 C = 78 to 80 C- = 76 or 77 D+ = 74 or 75 D = 70 to 73 F = 69 or below

COURSE METHOD:

At the beginning of the week, we will go over the schedule for the next several weeks by topic. You are responsible for the readings under that topic for the date scheduled. I will also present a summary of the last lecture. The information from the lectures, the readings, and your ideas will be the basis for discussions. Ask questions anytime. Your ideas are important to the class and me. One- reason professors teach is to have our theories critiqued by students, and to seek fresh ideas from you. One reason you take classes is to express your ideas and ask questions that interest you. Do it, you have the right to question anything. It makes the class more interesting and more useful to you.

Professors at great universities like Georgetown do more than teach in class; they are available to students to discuss any question or concern a student may have. So if you need advice about courses, a major, your career, or any other question or concern you may have, feels free to discuss it with me. If I do not have the answer, I can help you find someone who does. You may not like our advice, but you do not have to follow it either. At this Great University you have an opportunity to ask any question, and have people ready to provide answers. Take advantage of the opportunity.

The Sociology of Terrorism should be an interesting course for you. The subject matter is of current interest, and the area is fraught with confusion and conflicting ideas. The topic truly concerns international as well as national issues, an environment you will face every one of your days. Georgetown is the perfect place to teach this course with its close proximity and access to the Washington power structure. You will probably leave this course with more questions than answers. This often happens when social issues have divergent opinions and solutions. Welcome to the real world where all the important issues are difficult to solve, compromise is always needed to achieve any success, and no solution is perfect or accepted by everyone. In any case, that is the way it is. So come to class, pay attention, ask questions, have fun, and good luck. COURSE OUTLINE:

I. The Social Construct of Terrorism

A. Definitions

B. Comparisons

C. Measurement

D. History of Terrorism

II. Social Theories of Terrorism

A. Deviance and

B. Social Theories of Terrorism

1. Functional-structural

2. Conflict

3. Symbolic Interaction

C. Cultural Perspectives

III. Terrorist Organization, Strategies, and Tactics

A. Perspectives

B. Organization, Staffing, Operations

1. Traditional Terrorist

2. New Organizations

3. “New” Terrorists

C. Strategies

1. Techniques

2. Weapons D. Traditional Tactics – Suicide Terrorism

E. New Tactics

1. General

2. Cyber-terrorism

3. Nuclear, Radiological, Chemical, Biological, HEE

IV. Environments

A. The Media

B. State-sponsored

C. The Religious Influence

D. Organized

V. Countering Terrorism – General

A. Perspectives

B. The Public

C. The Professionals

D. Threats

E. Plans

VI. Countering Terrorism – Intelligence Gathering

A. Definitions

B. Types

C. Critiques

D. Organizations

E. Doing Intelligence VII. Countering Terrorism – Security

A. Definitions

B. System

C. Example

VIII. Countering Terrorism – Law Enforcement

A. Culture

B. Issues

IX. Countering Terrorism - Current Examples

A. New York City

B. INTERPOL

C. United Nations

X. The Present and Future COURSE READING LIST

I. The Social Construct of Terrorism

Hoffman Preface to the expanded edition Hoffman Preface to the first edition Wright, Prologue Cronin, Introduction Netanyahu, Forward & Preface Reich, Forward, Preface, Introduction

Reich: 1. Hoffman 1. Defining Terrorism Hoffman 2. The End of Empire and the Origins of Contemporary Terrorism Netanyahu, Chapter III (1980’s) Netanyahu, Chapter V (Gaza) Reich: # 5. Reich: # 3. Reich: # 4.

II. Social Theories of Terrorism

Netanyahu, Chapter 1 Reich: # 2.

Wright, Chapter 1. Wright, Chapter 2. Wright, Chapter 3. Wright, Chapter 4. Reich: # 6.

Wright, Chapter 5. Wright, Chapter 6 Reich: # 9. Reich: # 10.

Reich: # 13. Reich: # 14.

III. Terrorist Organizations, Strategies, and Tactics

Hoffman 3. The Internationalization of Terrorism Hoffman 8. The Modern Terrorist Mind-set: Tactics, Targets, Tradecraft, and Technologies Wright, Chapter 8 Hoffman 5. Suicide Terrorism

Wright, Chapter 7 Wright, Chapter 18. Netanyahu, Chapter VI (WMD)

IV. Environments

Hoffman 4. Religion and Terrorism

Hoffman 6. The Old Media, Terrorism, and Public Opinion Hoffman 7 The New Media, Terrorism, and shaping of Global Opinion Netanyahu, Chapter IV (Islam) Reich: # 7. Reich: # 8.

V. Countering Terrorism - General

Netanyahu, Chapter V (Prevention)

Wright, Chapter 9 Wright, Chapter 10 Netanyahu, Chapter II (Intelligence)

Cronin, Chapter one, Decapitation Cronin, Chapter two, Negotiations Cronin, Chapter three, Success Cronin, Chapter four, Failure VI. Countering Terrorism – Intelligence Gathering

Wright, Chapter 19

VII. Security

Reich: # 11. Reich: # 12.

Wright, Chapter 12 Wright, Chapter 13 Wright, Chapter 14 Wright, Chapter 17

VIII. Law Enforcement

Wright, Chapter 11 Wright, Chapter 15 Wright, Chapter 16 Wright, Chapter 20

Cronin, Chapter six, Reorientation

IX. New Approaches

Cronin, Chapter five, Repression Cronin, Chapter seven, Al-Qaeda

X. The Future

Hoffman 9. Terrorism Today and Tomorrow Netanyahu, Chapter VII (Present Needs)