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Trends & Controversies: Sociocultural Predictive Analytics and Terrorism Deterrence

Journal Article · · IEEE Intelligent Systems
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/MIS.2011.74· OSTI ID:1027175

The use of predictive analytics to model terrorist rhetoric is highly instrumental in developing a strategy to deter terrorism. Traditional (e.g. Cold-War) deterrence methods are ineffective with terrorist groups such as al Qaida. Terrorists typically regard the prospect of death or loss of property as acceptable consequences of their struggle. Deterrence by threat of punishment is therefore fruitless. On the other hand, isolating terrorists from the community that may sympathize with their cause can have a decisive deterring outcome. Without the moral backing of a supportive audience, terrorism cannot be successfully framed as a justifiable political strategy and recruiting is curtailed. Ultimately, terrorism deterrence is more effectively enforced by exerting influence to neutralize the communicative reach of terrorists.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
1027175
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-80259
Journal Information:
IEEE Intelligent Systems, Journal Name: IEEE Intelligent Systems Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 26
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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