Terrorism is one of the most complex and challenging social and political issues of our time. It is a term and concept that defies easy explanation, a tactic and strategy that can have overwhelming personal, social and political consequences, and continues to challenge the academic community to ‘make terrorism known'.
Here at Penn State, researchers at the International Center for the Study of Terrorism (ICST) examine critical research questions on terrorism and political violence. We conduct research that asks: Can those who engage in terrorist activity be profiled? What are the ways in which people become radicalized to terrorist movements? What are the attractions that some people see associated with involvement in terrorism? What are the ways in which the Internet promotes new developments both for terrorist groups and those who combat them? Can people leave terrorist groups, and what can we do to influence that process?
Our Center is a unique entity that reflects the changing nature of academic collaboration in a globally networked environment. While the Center is housed at Penn State, through our extensive relationship with national and international research partners around the world, ICST has an unparalleled ability to engage in multilateral, team-based problem solving in order to develop and enhance the application of our understanding and knowledge on terrorism for those whose task it is to formulate and implement responses to all aspects of terrorism.
Whether you are a student, researcher, or professional engaged in the study of terrorism, or are someone who is simply interested in finding out more about this difficult and complex area, I hope that you find some answers here on our virtual home. We are working hard on developing online resources here at ICST, and would especially invite you to come back and visit us regularly. We are about to engage in some exciting and challenging research, and are greatly looking forward to bringing you the results of this work here via our website.
John Horgan
Director, ICST