The Principles of the Counter Terrorism Process

The prevailing principle of counter-terrorism is that it is now a shared responsibility of government and the community. This shift places all organisations on the front line, effectively creating a new guard of counter-terrorism professionals.

This book by counter-terrorism expert Dr David Gawel APM, is a practical guide for those organisations and their employees who find themselves facing these new challenges. This guide delves into the myriad of infinite interconnected processes of counterterrorism, framing them within an overarching model called ‘the process of counter-terrorism’. The components of this model are broken down and explained in detail with accompanying case studies covering, principles of counter-terrorism, collection, language, belief systems, extremism, strands of radicalisation, recruitment and threat versus risk.

This guide also provides a critical decision framework which has been developed and operationally tested within this pressurised environment. Drawing on the hard-earned lessons and extensive research this guide equips this new generation of counter-terrorism professionals with the essential principles together with practical tools to proficiently address this threat.

It is envisaged that this guide will enrich the knowledge of these professionals enabling them to apply their skills in the real world and assist in averting ‘black swan’ events such as the atrocities witnessed during the Hamas incursion into Israel in October 2023.