Exploring Terrorism, Counter-terrorism and Their Unintended Consequences

What affects the choices of terrorism and counter-terrorism? New researchers interested in this field might feel overwhelmed by the vast literature that emerged after the 9/11 attacks. We review existing trends and policies related to international terrorist activities. We describe the ‘standard’ economic perspective of violent decision-making where individuals act based on costs and benefits. We then explore behavioral and social approaches to the study of terrorism and counter-terrorism. Potential unintended consequences associated with these activities are discussed. We conclude our quick overview with suggestions for future research