Preventing Terrorism Starts with a Plan

Posted: January 2nd, 2019

By Dr. Haroro J. Ingram

Dr. Haroro J. Ingram is a senior research fellow with the Program on Extremism at George Washington University. His research primarily focuses on the role of propaganda and charismatic leadership in the evolution and appeal of violent non-state political movements; militant Islamist propaganda targeting English-speaking audiences; and the role of strategic communications in national security operations, strategy and policy, particularly in the areas of counterterrorism and countering violent extremism. Ingram’s work draws heavily on primary source materials, most of which is collected during field research in conflict and post-conflict areas across the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia. He has been a visiting fellow with institutions such as the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (The Hague) and the Naval Postgraduate School’s Defense Analysis Department (Monterey). A former national security practitioner, Ingram previously worked in counterterrorism operations and defense strategy roles.

The Trump Administration’s National Strategy for Counterterrorism, released this past October, has received positive reviews for its balanced focus on the challenges associated with confronting terrorism abroad and in the homeland. In practice, however, little has been done to address the threat of America’s ‘domestic terrorists’ and there remains no preventative strategy for the homeland.

The Homeland brings you a two-part examination of these vexing challenges with a look at the challenges of preventing terrorism in the homeland by American persons, inspired by domestic events and sometimes fueled by foreign state and non-state actors. Part I paints the threat landscape and challenges in prevention. Part II will provide a framework for policymakers to make greater headway. The Program on Extremism at The George Washington University recently issued the first of several policy briefs on this matter. Dr. Haroro J. Ingram is a senior research fellow with the Program.

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