A Strategic Analysis of Violent Extremist Organizations in the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility

March 2020 No Comments

Authors: Michael Logan (University of Nebraska, Omaha); Lauren Zimmerman (University of Nebraska, Omaha); Gina Ligon (University of Nebraska, Omaha) This publication was released as part of the SMA project, “CENTCOM Regional and Population Dynamics in the Central Region.”  For more information regarding this project, please click here. Executive Summary In this study, our research team examines the organizational sophistication, leadership, and tactical patterns of […]

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A “Colder War” Future in the USCENTCOM AOR? Realpolitik Trajectory of Major Powers and Regional Players

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Authors: Dr. Maorong Jiang (Creighton University); and Dr. David Dorondo (Western Carolina University) This publication was released as part of the SMA project, “CENTCOM Regional and Population Dynamics in the Central Region.”  For more information regarding this project, please click here. Report Abstract and Methodology This paper addresses potential security concerns in the Middle East and North Africa […]

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SMA CENTCOM Panel Discussion—Black Swans and Gray Rhinos in the CENTCOM AOR: Vigilance Against the Unsuspected and Keeping Our Eyes on the Prize

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Authors | Editors: Dr. Lawrence Kuznar (NSI, Inc.) & Nicole (Peterson) Omundson (NSI, Inc.) Executive Summary Four panelists with deep knowledge and experience in the USCENTCOM AOR and with complex systems modeling were asked to reflect on how to think about and anticipate surprises in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR), especially Black Swan surprises that are the product […]

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Hunting Gray Rhinos and Black Swans: Statistical and Machine Learning Models of Political Stability and Terrorism

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Authors | Editor: Lawrence Kuznar (NSI, Inc.); Jeffrey Day (NSI, Inc.); and Eric Kuznar (NSI, Inc.) This publication was released as part of the SMA project, “CENTCOM Regional and Population Dynamics in the Central Region.”  For more information regarding this project, please click here. Executive Summary Strategic surprise, the realization that one’s knowledge and assumptions are wrong and the adversary […]

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SMA CENTCOM Panel Discussion on Radicalization (Part I)

March 2020 No Comments

Speakers: Dr. Skye Cooley (Oklahoma State University); Nicole (Peterson) Omundson (NSI, Inc.); Dr. Nicholas Wright (Intelligent Biology); Dr. Sabrina (Pagano) Polansky (NSI, Inc.); Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler (University of Akron); Dr. Lawrence Kuznar (NSI, Inc.); Howard Lee (US Army TRADOC) Date: 10 March 2020 Speaker Session Preview SMA hosted a panel discussion as a part of its SMA CENTCOM Speaker Series. The panelists […]

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Thresholds in Cyberspace

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Speaker: Schneider, J. (Hoover Institution, Stanford University) Date: 11 March 2020 Speaker Session Preview SMA hosted a speaker session presented by Dr. Jacquelyn Schneider (Hoover Institution, Stanford University) as a part of its SMA GeneralSpeaker Series. Dr. Schneider first stated that the creation and management of thresholds is critical to the success of US strategy. She then cited Connable et al.’s when defining […]

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Denazification in Germany: Lessons for Deradicalization in the CENTCOM AOR

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Author | Editor: Dorondo, D. (Western Carolina University) Report Preview Coming soon! Download Publication Coming soon!

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Deradicalization in History and Psychology: A Selective Review of the Literature

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Authors: Peter Suedfeld (University of British Columbia); Lindsy Grunert (University of British Columbia); and Bradford Morrison (University of British Columbia) This publication was released as part of the SMA project, “CENTCOM Regional and Population Dynamics in the Central Region.”  For more information regarding this project, please click here. Summary Governments continue to pour money into deradicalization programs with the goal of rehabilitating violent extremists. Are […]

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Population Dynamics and Radicalization in the CENTCOM AOR: Post-Brexit EU2 + 1 and the UN vs. a US-led Coalition of the Willing

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Author: Dorondo, D. (Western Carolina University) This publication was released as part of the SMA project, “CENTCOM Regional and Population Dynamics in the Central Region.”  For more information regarding this project, please click here. Introduction In 2020, the States of the European Union (EU), as well as NATO’s European members and those States not enjoying membership of […]

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Tips for Consuming Intelligence

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Speaker: Gibson, K. (Retired) Date: 12 March 2020 Speaker Session Preview SMA hosted a speaker session presented by LTG Karen Gibson (Retired) as a part of its SMA General Speaker Series. LTG(R) Gibson discussed how decision makers (and civilians) can be wise consumers of intelligence and shape the intelligence environment. She first stated that using intelligence strategically requires strategy to begin with. Once […]

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