Terrorism and extremism: a present and evolving threat

Terrorism and extremism: a present and evolving threat

Author: ANU National Security College June 27, 2024 Duration: 53:35

Is terrorism becoming a more prevalent threat in Western societies, or are we getting better at identifying potential terrorists and extremists? 


How are terrorist and extremist groups taking advantage of a new, more connected world to further their objectives? 


Has there been a shift towards embracing the role of women in both terrorist organisations and the intelligence community? 


  

In this episode, Bruce Hoffman, Amira Jadoon, and Aaron Zelin join Bianca Birdsall to discuss international terrorist incidents, the looming threat of domestic extremism, and the shifting counterterrorism landscape – from gender roles to technology advancements. 


 

Professor Bruce Hoffman is a tenured professor in Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and is currently the Shelby Collum and Katherine W. Davis Senior Fellow for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security at the Council on Foreign Relations. 


Dr Amira Jadoon is an Assistant Professor in the department of Political Science at Clemson University, previously working at the U.S. Military Academy, jointly appointed in the department of Social Sciences and the Combating Terrorism Center. 


Dr Aaron Zelin is the Gloria and Ken Levy Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, where he also directs the Islamic State Worldwide Activity Map project.  


Bianca Birdsall is a Senior Advisor at the ANU National Security College.


Show notes:  


We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Produced by the ANU National Security College, The National Security Podcast offers a deep and nuanced examination of the forces shaping regional and global stability. This isn't just a surface-level news recap; it's a forum for serious, informed discussion grounded in academic rigor and policy expertise. Each episode features conversations with leading thinkers, practitioners, and analysts who unpack the complex security landscape, from geopolitical shifts and economic coercion to cyber threats and climate-related risks. The focus is consistently on the pressing challenges and strategic choices confronting Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Listeners will gain access to a range of perspectives that cut through the noise, providing clarity on how today's decisions shape tomorrow's security environment. By engaging with this podcast, you join a conversation that is both timely and essential, one that connects theoretical understanding with the practical realities of government and international affairs. The dialogue here is built on evidence and experience, offering listeners a trusted source to better comprehend the intricate dynamics of power, diplomacy, and defense. It's an ongoing exploration of what security means in a rapidly changing world, delivered through thoughtful, long-form discussions that prioritize depth and insight.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The National Security Podcast
Podcast Episodes
How can we avoid conflict in our region? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:51
What are some of the key mechanisms for avoiding conflict? Why is ASEAN a key player in preventive diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific region? What challenges are faced in trying to prevent conflict in the region? And what rol…
A decade at the helm: in conversation with Rory Medcalf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:16
How has Australia’s security landscape changed over the last decade? How was the Indo-Pacific concept born, and how has it evolved? What are the biggest threats facing Australia right now? In this episode, Rory Medcalf j…
Disasters, distrust, and disinformation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:03
What are some of the challenges societies face because of mis- and disinformation during disaster response? How can Australia adapt to deal with these challenges? What lessons can we learn from incidents around the world…
Iran, Israel and the future of Middle East security [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:20
Where do the other Middle East countries and the Gulf nations stand on the Iran-Israel conflict? How do they view the US’ changing foreign policy? What were the motivations behind the recent US and Israeli attacks on Ira…
The trans-Tasman alliance: strengthening Australia-NZ security ties [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:01
What is the ‘foreign policy reset’ undertaken by New Zealand’s National government, and how does it differ from the previous Labour government’s approach? How can New Zealand and Australia strengthen their alliance to fa…
In conversation with Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:24
Why is the Indo-Pacific of importance to Canada? Will it have a more consistent presence in the region in the future? How is Canada adapting its defence capabilities to meet the demands of a rapidly changing geopolitica…
AI, rights and rules: who’s accountable in an automated world? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:14
Can differing global approaches to AI regulation and investment work together, or are we headed toward fragmented, siloed systems? How can AI governance in developing nations be supported as part of regional aid and secu…