Research Proposal: Examining Strategies in the War Against Terrorism

This research proposal investigates the ongoing global war on terrorism, examining the effectiveness of various counter-terrorism tactics employed by different countries. It delves into the emergence of terror groups like ISIS, Boko Haram, and Al-Qaeda, questioning whether the war on terror is winnable. The proposal outlines the research objectives, which include analyzing the suitability of current tactics and identifying the most effective strategies. It considers arguments about the role of refugees in perpetuating terrorist acts and explores methodologies involving qualitative research, archival data analysis, and secondary sources. The proposal also examines the challenges of gathering intelligence and the importance of addressing radicalization. The research focuses on the period between 2000 and 2018, a time of significant change in the fight against terrorism, and aims to answer the question of whether current tactics are the best approach to tackling terrorism effectively.

Running head: TERRORISM 1
Research Proposal
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Title of the research project
Can we win the war against terrorism?
Introduction
Terrorism has been a constant threat to world peace over the last two decades. Despite a lot
of resources and energy being channeled to counter terrorism, we are still experiencing a lot
of crimes related to terrorism. Unfortunately many loose lives and other are maimed in these
heinous acts of terror. The question many ask themselves is if the war against terrorism can
be won? This is after an emergence of terror groups such as the IS, Boko haram, Alqaeda
among many others that are still being formed. So with the emergence of this groups and
new modus operandi being applied by the groups it is important to ask if this war on terror
can be won (Zulaika & Douglass, 2016). This research is going to explore the various
methods that various governments are using to combat terrorism in their countries and also in
the world. Some countries such as France have in the past experienced multiple terror attacks
which have been carried out in ways no one expected. For example, in 2017, a terrorist used a
track that he drove over people in the city of Nice leaving many people dead and others
nursing serious injuries. The question that people were left asking is whether the attack could
have been thwarted by having prior information before the attack. .
Core argument and research project structure
With the resources that have been thrown towards the war on terrorism, this research aims at
checking how the methods that are being used to tackle terrorism are working (Fortna,
2015).. Although there has been a notion that the war on terrorism is being won, the
numerous terror attacks that have been happening around the world say a different story
altogether. Therefore, this paper seeks to analyze the success of the different tactics used by

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different countries and how far these tactics go in curbing terror attacks. Another argument
that is floated is that the refugees from war torn countries such as Syria, Libya and Yemen,
are being used by the terror groups to perpetuate this acts in the countries that they being
hosted. Germany, America, Italy and France are some of the countries that have allowed
refugees from these countries into their borders and whether the refugees are a threat to the
society is a matter of debate.
Significance and Objectives
 To analyze whether the tactics that are used in fighting terrorism are working.
 To determine the suitability of the tactics applied on the war against terrorism.
 To determine the best tactics that can be used to effectively win the war against
terrorism.
Explanation of research objectives
The research aims at analyzing some of the tactics that are being used in fighting terrorism
and how effective these tactics are towards fighting against terrorism (Kaplan, 2017). There
are new ways of fighting against terrorism in a world that is evolving in a fast pace. Terrorist
too are coming up with new methods to carry out their heinous acts and so there should be
new ways to counter these threats effectively.
Clear understanding of argument and possible counter-arguments
Some of the tactics that have been employed against terrorist is having information on the
inside of these cells (Cronin, 2015). This may be dangerous because having someone to
provide you with information direct from terror organizations such as the Islamic State
(General, Flynn & Ledeen, 2016). This may be difficult and if successful it puts a person in

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harm’s way. We have had situations where people suspected to working with the
governments being executed. It is worth analyzing whether efforts aimed towards reducing
radicalization are effective especially in reducing terrorism.. Also, the idea of closing entry
points at the border is worth analyzing because sometimes the enemy is within.
Methodology and Approach
The research will use qualitative research method to collect information. Information shall be
used collected by using methods such as survey, observations and also analyzing data from
archival documents. For the research will be collected from secondary sources such as CIA
handbook and other government journals. The texts chosen shall be limited to between year
2000 and 2018 because there is a lot of changes that has happened between this periods in
relation to the fight against terrorism.
Explanation of theoretical approach and concepts
When gathering information about this research the research question will be expressed along
the following lines: what are the best tactics to tackle terrorism in the world and are the
tactics used currently effective. Also, are there other tactics that can be used to fight against
terrorism effectively?
Explanation of methods and empirical evidence
This research shall use qualitative research method when testing this hypothesis/theory. The
research is text based and no statistical test is required for this research (Patten,2016). .

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References
Cronin, A. K. (2015). ISIS is not a terrorist group: why counterterrorism won't stop the latest
jihadist threat. Foreign Aff., 94, 87.
Fortna, V. P. (2015). Do Terrorists Win? Rebels' Use of Terrorism and Civil War
Outcomes. International Organization, 69(3), 519-556.
General, L., Flynn, M. T., & Ledeen, M. (2016). The Field of Fight: How We Can Win the
Global War Against Radical Islam and Its Allies. St. Martin's Press.
Kaplan, A. (2017). The counter-terrorism puzzle: A guide for decision makers. Routledge.
Patten, M. L. (2016). Proposing empirical research: A guide to the fundamentals. Taylor &
Francis.
Zulaika, J., & Douglass, W. (2016). Terror and taboo: The follies, fables, and faces of
terrorism. Routledge.