Assessing and Anticipating Threats to US Security Interests: A Bio-Psycho-Social Science Approach for Understanding the Emergence of and Mitigating Violence and Terrorism. Author | Editor: Giordano, J. (Georgetown University Medical Center). This white paper represents the work of intra- and extramural subject matter experts (SMEs) from multiple disciplines, convened to provide views and insights to […]
Continue ReadingManeuver and Engagement in the Narrative Space. Author | Editor: Munch, R. (TRADOC G-27 TBOC). The paper leverages and melds the latest thinking of academic and operational subject matter experts in fields of organizational and social dynamics, network analysis, psychology, information operations and narrative development, social media analysis, and doctrine development related to aspects of […]
Continue ReadingCountering Violent Extremism: Scientific Methods and Strategies (2015 Edition) Author | Editor: Fenstermacher, L. (Air Force Research Laboratory) [Note: 2011 edition available here] Why are we reissuing the paper collection, “Countering Violent Extremism: Scientific Methods and Strategies”? The answer is simple. Five years later, violent extremism is still an issue. In September 2014, President Obama […]
Continue ReadingISIL Influence and Resolve. Author | Editor: Astorino-Coutois, A. & Canna, S. (NSI, Inc). During FY 2014, the SOCCENT Commander requested a short-term effort to understand the psychological, ideological, narrative, emotional, cultural, and inspirational (“intangible”) nature of ISIL. As shown below, the SMA1 team really addressed two related questions: “What makes ISIL attractive?” or how […]
Continue ReadingThe Dynamics of Israeli and Palestinian Security Requirements in the West Bank—Cross-border activities, sovereignty and governing legitimacy. Author | Editor: Astorino-Coutois, A., Bragg, B. & Key, K. (NSI, Inc). This report presents insights from an analysis of a conceptual map, or qualitative loop diagram that relates Israeli and PA sovereignty and legitimacy in the West […]
Continue ReadingMulti-Method Assessment of ISIL in Support of SOCCENT: Subject Matter Expert Elicitation Summary Report, July – November 2014. Author | Editor: Canna, S. & Rieger, T. (NSI, Inc). From July through November 2014, NSI conducted a Subject Matter Expert (SME) Elicitation study to gather insights from interviews, panel discussions, seminars, and personal communications with over […]
Continue ReadingMulti-Method Assessment of ISIL. Author | Editor: Cabayan, H. (Joint Staff) & Canna, S. (NSI, Inc). SOCCENT has requested a short-term effort to assess the appeal of ISIL, specifically to answer, “What makes ISIL so magnetic, inspirational, and deeply resonant with a specific, but large, portion of the Islamic population allowing it to draw recruitment […]
Continue ReadingA Multi-disciplinary, Multi-method Approach to Leader Assessment at a Distance: The Case of Bashar al-Assad. Author | Editor: Kuznar, L. (NSI, Inc), Suedfeld, P. (University of British Columbia), Spitaletta, J. (Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory) & Morrison, B. (University of British Columbia). This report suggests potential types of actions and messages most likely to influence […]
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