Terrorism, Networks, and Strategy: Why the Conventional Wisdom is Wrong

Abstract

This is an article from the June 2008 [v.4 no.2] edition of the Homeland Security Affairs Journal. In this report, the author considers first some basic differences among organizations and the strengths and weaknesses of two different organizational forms [networks and hierarchies]; then apply this organizational analysis to terrorist organizations and the governmental network in the United States; and, finally, suggest optimal strategies for countering the terrorist threats we face. The initial discussion of organizational forms will be somewhat simplified [e.g., it assumes a clear distinction between networks and hierarchies that is ultimately untenable] in order to emphasize certain organizational characteristics or tendencies.