OAIN 2160 - Terrorism, Intelligence, and Technology
OAIN 2160 · Spring semester 2025-2026
- Language of tuition
- English
- Course type
- Cours séminaire
- Number of hours
- 24
- Credits
- 6
Information
Description
***NEW COURSE***
This course examines the evolving relationship between terrorism, intelligence, and technology. Students explore how terrorist organizations operate, adapt, and exploit emerging tools—from digital platforms and UAVs to encryption, 3D printing, and cryptocurrencies—and how intelligence and counterterrorism agencies respond.
Discussions on technology use, innovation, and adaptation run through every session. Through case studies and deep dives into historic attacks and counterterrorism operations, students gain insight into the contemporary threat landscape, how it is changing, and how societies seek to counter it. The course is highly interactive, with students preparing and presenting case studies on terrorist networks, CT operations, and technological innovation to foster applied, participatory learning.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Overview of the contemporary threat landscape and the key actors
- Get in-depth knowledge of modern terrorism and intelligences processes to counter it
- Understanding of the critical role of technology both from a terrorist and intelligence perspective
- Perspectives on the range of intelligence disciplines in play in counter-terrorism operations
- Gain practical skills in intelligence methodology
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
- Public speaking and presentation skills
- OSINT skills as part of the exercises
- Analytical skills from case study work
Prerequisites
Students will benefit from a general understanding of what terrorism and counter-terrorism is and are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the concepts prior to the course.
Teaching format
The teacher will be available for the students throughout the course either in person or through videocall. Students will receive written feedback on their presentations.
Assessment
- Individual or group presentation in class: 40% of final grade
- Final term paper: 40% of final grade
- Seminar participation and engagement: 20% of final grade (throughout)
Workload
● In Class Presence: 4 hours every second week / 24 hours a semester
● Online learning activities: None
● Reading and Preparation for Class: 6 hours a week
● Research and Preparation for Group Work: 2 hour a week
● Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 10 hours a semester
Readings
Main readings 5
-
1. Bruce Hoffman, “Inside Terrorism,” Columbia University Press (2017)
-
2. Rapoport, David C. (2004). “The four waves of modern terrorism.” In Attacking terrorism elements of a grand strategy, Audrey Kurth Cronin, James M. Ludes, eds. Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press.
-
3. Andrew Silke (ed.), “Routledge Handbook of Terrorism and Counterterrorism,” Routledge (2020)
-
4. Richard English, “Does Counter-Terrorism Work?”, Oxford University Press (2024)
-
5. Council of Europe, “Report on the emerging patterns of misuse of technology by terrorist actors,” 2025. Found here: https://rm.coe.int/report-on-the-emerging-patterns-of-misuse-of-technology-by-terrorist-a/4880281a94
Further readings 2
-
6. Watch: ”Manhunt: The Search for Bin Laden” (HBO, 2013)
-
7. Watch: “November 13: Attack on Paris” (Netflix, 2018)
Teaching units
| Unit no. | Unit type | Teaching units | Teachers | Number of hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59355 | Cours séminaire | Terrorism, Intelligence, and Technology | Tore HAMMING | 24 | 6 |
Teachers
- Tore HAMMING
In the curricula
- Thematic Concentrations, Semesters 2 and 4 - Spring 2026ÉCOLE DES AFFAIRES INTERNATIONALES (PSIA)
Contacts and resources
- Contact
- YOUNÈS Myriam