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Academic Programs

The scope of terrorist attacks launched in the US post-September 11, the growing use of unconventional weapons, and the spread of a radical-Islamic network of terrorism have transformed the once localized threat of terrorism into an international problem.

By intentionally targeting civilians while exploiting the freedom embedded in liberal-democratic values, terrorism presents a difficult and complicated challenge to decision makers and counter-terrorism experts. The Terrorism and Homeland Security Track introduces students to the challenges and dilemmas in countering terrorism.

Studies in this track cover, among other things, the Israeli experience in countering terrorism; the nexus between failed states, terrorism and political development; the internationalization of modern terrorism and groups like al Qaeda and Hezbollah; the History of Modern Terrorism; and Law and Terrorism.

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Selected Courses:

– Theatres of Global Jihad
– Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Innovation
– Law and Terrorism
– Civil Wars & Ethnic Conflicts
– Ideology & Doctrine of Islamic Radical Movements
– Jihadist Social Media
– Israel’s Counter-Terrorism Policy
– Global Terrorism: ISIS, al-Qaeda & Hezbollah
– Political Violence and Extremism in Israel

The specialization in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security (in collaboration with the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism) is a cutting edge graduate program which combines academic study, simulations and workshops to offer unique learning opportunities in this field. The courses provide concentrated, in-depth exposure to the phenomenon of modern terrorism and its characteristics, modus operandi, scope and dissemination throughout the world. Students will obtain an understanding of the many challenges this phenomenon presents to decision-makers, security establishments, first responders, legal systems and business sector, based on the experience Israel has accumulated in the field.

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Selected Required Courses:

– Advanced Issues in National Security
– Radical Islamic Ideologies
– Democratic Dilemma in Counter-Terrorism
– Counter–Terrorism Issues and Challenges for Homeland Security
– Post–Modern Terrorism: CBRN
– Risk and Crisis Communication during Disasters
– Psychological Aspects of Terrorism
– Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
– Terrorism Fundraising

Selected Electives:

– Democracy, Failed States and International Terrorism
– Theoretical and Empirical Aspects of Deterring Terrorism
– Contemporary Topics in International Terrorism
– Radical Islamic Movements
– Strategic Surprise
– Approaches to National Security Policy Planning and Management
– Workshop: Negotiation with Terrorists
– Arabic

Internships and Exchange Programs Include: The International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, The National Security Council, the Counter-Terrorism Bureau, the Israeli Knesset.

Cluster in Cyber-Terrorism

The accelerated development of computer technology, in particular – the power of computers, the extensive and deep entrenchment of the Internet worldwide, and the broad accessibility of computers and the Internet – has rendered “cyberspace” a new and dangerous arena of activity for states, terrorist organizations and networks, and individuals with radical ideological or religious motivations. Security forces throughout the world have become convinced that cyberspace is fast becoming the main military and civil arena of such countries and organizations. The implications of a strategic cyber attack threaten to devastate civil society, causing unprecedented human injury and damage to critical national infrastructure.

We therefore opened, in cooperation with the Efi Arazi School of Computer Science, a graduate-level sub-specialization dealing with cyber-terrorism. The specialization will count for 10 credits and will take place in English over the summer. The aim of the specialization is to introduce students to the field of cyber-terrorism, and expose them to the characteristics, modus operandi and scope of the cyber-terrorist threat. The courses will provide a brief overview of the relevant technical aspects of cyber terrorism, the motivation and capabilities of various terrorist organizations, and discuss mitigation plans against these threats.

Testimonials

“Reichman University’s International Master’s in Government and Counter Terrorism is the academic “diamond” I have been searching for. Having worked in Middle East affairs for some years in policy institutes, the media and in strategic roles with Israeli governments, I sought an interdisciplinary approach to deepen my understanding of radical Islam, the Arab world, Israel and the West in the context of the political earthquake that continues to shake the region to its foundations. I thought to return for a year to do an advanced degree at Harvard University, my alma mater. Fortunately for me, Harvard is right here, at Reichman University’s Lauder School of Government”.

Dan Diker
Former Secretary General, World Jewish Congress

“To study in the Counter-Terrorism Track at the Reichman University’s Graduate Program in Counter-Terrorism has been definitely refreshing and useful. I have been in touch with Reichman University for already almost a decade and my studies in the last two years have only added to my positive impressions. I am sure that I will stay in touch and that I will be able to use the acquired knowledge, experience and even more all the new contacts for my future”.

Tomáš Pojar
Czech Ambassador to Israel
Former First Deputy Foreign Minister for Security and European Affairs