Topic: The research paper for this course is a case study focusing on a particular terrorist group (past or present) of your choosing. I have compiled a list of terrorist groups for you to choose from. Please note that Al-Qaeda—the core group predominantly operating in the Middle East—is not an option (because it was covered extensively in your text and lectures). However, Al-Qaeda affiliate groups are still available as research options. Likewise, if you are interested in researching a terrorist group that is not on the list, please feel free to clear it with me first.

Structure: For the first one-quarter of your paper I want you to “zoom in” and describe the attributes of your terrorist group of choice. Some of the aspects you can discuss are:

• In which wave(s) of terrorism do/did they operate? 
• What environments do they operate in? 
• Who are there targets? 
• What are their beliefs? 
• What is their goal? 
• What is their source of funding? 
• Do women play a role? 
• What weapons do they use? 
• Do they use media/communication? 
• What tools do they use for recruitment and radicalization?

For the second three-quarters of your paper I want you to “zoom out” and think critically about your terrorist group’s opportunities and challenges. In a sense, you are being asked to simultaneously think like the leader of a terrorist group and a counter-terrorism agent. This section should make up the bulk of your paper.

• If your terrorist group is no longer active, I want you to discuss why they disbanded and speculate as to what they could have done different (funding-wise, operationally, learning-based, networking, recruitment, etc.) in order to survive. Explain your reasoning. Which do you think was the most important factor, and why? Explain your reasoning. Remember to support your argument and sub-arguments with specific examples from course material, lectures, and outside sources. 
• If your terrorist group is still active, I want you to discuss current efforts to combat them and speculate as to why they are still successfully active (funding-wise, operationally, learning-based, networking, recruitment, etc.). Explain your reasoning. Which do you think is the most important factor, and why? Explain your reasoning. Remember to support your argument and sub-arguments with specific examples from course material, lectures, and outside sources.

Formatting and Submission: The paper should be about 5 pages in length, but no longer than 7 pages. Double-spaced, using 12pt. Times New Roman type, with 1-inch margins on all sides. 3 outside sources are required (e.g, academic journal articles, books, policy reports, etc.) Include a bibliography at the end of your paper; the bibliography is not included in your page count. Use APA, MLA or Chicago-style citations. Papers should be submitted via the Turnitin link at the bottom of this page. Review the detailed Turnitin instructions on how to submit your assignments and how to review Grademark comments, if applicable. Grades will be available one week after the submission deadline. This research paper is an individual assignment.

Criteria for Evaluation: A grading rubric was provided on your syllabus. 

Terrorist Groups: There is a link at the bottom of this page with terrorist groups I have pre-approved for this project.