Terrorism is a key component of the contemporary security environment, and will remain an ongoing challenge for governments and their relevant law enforcement, intelligence, and military agencies well into the future. National and international security policy is heavily influenced by threats of terrorism both domestically and overseas. This one day professional development program will offer attendees an introduction to contemporary understandings of the complexities of radicalisation and extremism. By providing attendees with an overview of various perspectives that afford insight into the radicalisation process, and into the multitude of contributing factors that can result in individuals becoming involved in extremism and terrorism, attendees will be better informed as to the nature and character of domestic and international terrorism, as well as the various policy responses that are available to government. Those building a career in national security will inevitably be required to engage with policies and practices related to terrorism and counter terrorism. This unique opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s leading authorities on terrorism provides future strategic leaders with a chance to acquire knowledge, engage and discuss issues of policy relevance, and develop a better command of the nuances and complexities of countering terrorism.

Topics covered include:

• The role of social media
• Ideology and its relationship with violence
• Social psychology and group dynamics
• The importance of context, politics, and ‘root causes’ of terrorism
• What makes someone become a foreign fighter?
• Individual jihad as a strategy

Upon completion participants will have a more nuanced, in depth, and factually based understanding of what is understood about individuals and groups progress towards terrorism and involvement with terrorism.

The program is open source.

All discussion will be undertaken under the Chatham House Rule so as to facilitate frank and open conversation.  A lengthy question and answer session will conclude the day providing ample opportunity for further discussion of all aspects covered over the day.

Please note minimum numbers are required for the workshop to proceed and IFRS reserves the right to cancel or postpone if required.

Bio – Levi West, Workshop Lecturer

Levi West is a research fellow at the Institute for Regional Security, and the Director of Terrorism Studies at Charles Sturt University. His primary research interests relate to the intersection of information and communications technology with terrorism specifically, but also with other forms of non-state violence. He has lectured extensively to law enforcement, intelligence, and military audiences both domestically and internationally, including at the Naval War College in the United States, the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation in Indonesia, the National Security College at ANU, and at the Australian Command and Staff College at the Australian Defence College. Levi regularly contributes to the ASPI Strategist blog, and is a sought after speaker on terrorism and other national security issues. He currently manages the Masters of Terrorism and Security Studies program at the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security, at Charles Sturt University’s Barton campus and delivers professional development training and consulting to a broad range of government agencies and private sector clients.

His research interests include:
•    Terrorism and insurgency
•    Diversity and evolution of violent non-State actors
•    Use of technology by non-State actors
•    Transnational crime and illicit finance
•    State responses to non-State violence
•    Cyber security, particularly as it pertains to non-state actors