CDSn4106 Dilemmas of Counterterrorism

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2023
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 7 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Taught in person.
Teacher(s)
prof. JUDr. PhDr. Miroslav Mareš, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. et Mgr. Petra Mlejnková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. JUDr. PhDr. Miroslav Mareš, Ph.D.
Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Supplier department: Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Wed 14:00–15:40 PC25
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The course aims to introduce basic issues related to dilemmas in countering terrorism. Issues of radicalization leading to violent extremism and terrorism will be discussed. Students will get deeper insight into different areas covering using both preventive and repressive measures. Since different approaches to dealing with radicalization and terrorism are represented in the European context (depending on actors relevant to the issue), the course will reflect this discussion, including ethical aspects of the measures.
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to identify and to analyze dilemmas in counter-terrorism.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction to the course 2. Definition of counter-terrorism and basic dilemmas of counter-terrorism 3. Limitations of human rights and freedoms in the name of counter-terrorism 4. De-radicalization and exit programs 5. Media and terrorism 6. Military power as an instrument of counter-terrorism 7. Guest lecture I 8. Guest lecture II.: Counterterrorism and Verfassungschutz 9. Guest lecture III: Foreign Terrorist Fighters in Prisons 10. Case studies I. 11. Case studies II 12. Case studies III. 13. Summary of the course
Literature
    required literature
  • Hucklesby, S. et allů. (2013): Drones – ethical dilemmas in the application of military force. London: The Joint Public Issues Team, http://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Drones-Ethical-Dilemmas-in-the-Application-on-Military-For
  • Directorate General for Internal Policies (2017): The European Union’s Policies on Counter-Terrorism Relevance, Coherence and Effectiveness. Brussels: European Parliament, http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2017/583124/IPOL_STU(2017)58312
  • Kruglanski, A. W., Gelfand, M. J., Bélanger, J. J., Shevenland, A., Hetiarachchi M., Gunaranta, R. (2014): The psychology of Radicalization and Deradicalization: How Significance Quest Impacts Violent Extremism. Political Psychology, vol 35, pp. 69-93
  • Paďourek, J., Mareš, M. (2020): The Threats of Russian Influence and Terrorism within National Security Strategies of the Visegrad Four. The Journal of Slavic Military Studies, vol. 33, No. 2, pp. 173-197
  • Schmid, A. (2013): Radicalisation, De-Radicalisation, Counter-Radicalisation: A Conceptual Discussion and Literature Review.Hague: ICCT: https://www.icct.nl/sites/default/files/import/publication/ICCT-Schmid-Radicalisation-De-Radicalisation-Counter-Radic
  • Mareš, M. (2011): Terrorism-Free Zone in East Central Europe? Strategic Environment, Risk Tendencies, and Causes of Limited Terrorist Activities in the Visegrad Group Countries. Terrorism and Political Violence Vol. 23, No. 2, pp. 233-253
  • Bjørgo, T., Horgan, J. (eds. 2009): Leaving Terrorism Behind. Abingdon: Routledge, pp. 1-65, 133-151, 170-180, 212-223
Teaching methods
Lectures and seminars.
Assessment methods
Students will receive a final letter grade based on the following components: Presentation of the own position paper: max. 6 points. Presentation of the outline of the final paper: max. 6 points Final paper: max. 18 points Final oral exam: max. 30 points Presentation of basic findings from position paper (1200-1400 characters including spaces) in the first half of the semester (max 6 points): A list of discussion topics will be available at the beginning of the semester. Each student has to choose one topic from the list. A maximum of 4 students can be enrolled in one topic. The student is obligated to discuss the topic in the position paper, to point out important information, to come up with clear arguments, criticism, development of the topic, etc. The position paper will be uploaded to the specific file in the information system at least 12 hours before the presentation in the class. The position paper will be written in the essay form. Presentation of the outline of the final paper (seminary thesis) (max. 6 points) in the second part of the semester and the final paper (seminary thesis) (max. 18 points): The presentation serves as the outline of the final written paper. It should include 1) a brief description of the issue, 2) a goal and research question, methods and conceptualizing and/or theory 3) the structure of the paper, 4) preliminary findings, and 5) a list of sources. The final paper (in the form of a scientific article) should be written on the topic relevant to the course (length 22 000 – 26 000 characters, longer thesis only after consultation with the lecturer). The topic of the final paper and the date of presentation of its outline are specified by a lecturer (in relation to its topic). Components of evaluation: original authors' approach, relevant goals and methods, theoretical background, conceptualizing of the topic, structure, sources, and literature. The date of the presentation depends on the lecturer´s decision. Individual students will write the final paper. Style of references: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide/citation-guide-2.html Deadline for submission: 10th January. Final oral exam (max. 30 points): There will be a final oral exam consisting of two questions based on the obligatory literature and presentations in class. At least ¼ points from each part is a necessary condition in this course (2 from the presentation, 2 from the outline, 5 from the final written paper, 8 from final oral exam). In the case of a specific university or faculty, rules can be part of the course (including components of the exam) online. Grading: 56-60: A 51-55: B 46-50: C 41-45: D 36-40: E 0-35: F
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2020, Autumn 2021, Autumn 2022, Autumn 2024.
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