International Institute for Counter-Terrorism

The International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) describes itself as a non-profit organization located at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Herzliya, Israel. The ICT was apparently founded in 1996 and describes itself as "the leading academic institute for counter-terrorism in the world, facilitating international cooperation in the global struggle against terrorism. The ICT describes itself as "an independent think tank providing expertise in terrorism, counter-terrorism, homeland security, threat vulnerability and risk assessment, intelligence analysis and national security and defense policy."[1] The organisation further states that "all of its efforts and resources are dedicated to approaching the issue of terrorism globally – that is, as a strategic problem that faces not only Israel but other countries as well."[2]

Activities

Among ICT's stated activities are academic courses, seminars, conferences, research and publication of papers, articles and commentaries, consulting and training, threat assessment, legal assistance, lectures and workshops. The ICT administers the largest public domain research database on the Internet of terrorist organizations, activists and incidents from 1988 to the present time.

As reviewed by Foreign Affairs, ICT presents a conservative Israeli perspective, "but that does not detract from the value of much of the material" it contains.[3]

In the University of Pennsylvania's 2014 Global Go To Think Tanks Report, ICT was ranked as the 29th best think thank in the Middle East and North Africa.[4] The ICT's reporting has been mentioned by The Village Voice,[5] USA Today,[6] and Asian Tribune.[7]

Objectives

As its objectives, the ICT lists:[2]

Raising Awareness
includes all aspects of counter-terrorism including the psychological effects of acts of terror and the threat of terrorism.
Advising Decision Makers
encourages closer cooperation between different bodies involved in the fight against international terrorism and provides decision-makers with recommendations.
Research
integrates academic knowledge with the practical experience of experts from many fields related to terrorism and counter-terrorism. The Institute conducts applied research concerning the roots of terrorism, its motivations, and causes.

Leadership

One of the founders, Dr. Boaz Ganor, served as the ICT's Executive Director. In 2004, he was replaced by Col. (res.) Adv. Lior Lotan. Dr. Ganor sits on the ICT's Board of Directors.[8] He returned to the Executive Director position in late 2006. Dr. Eitan Azani serves as ICT's Deputy Director.

Funding

The ICT relies exclusively on private donations and revenue from events, projects and programs.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "About ICT – About Us".
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "About ICT – Objectives".
  3. ↑ Cohen, Eliot (September–October 2002). "The International Policy Institute for Counterterrorism, Herzliyah Interdisciplinary Center: www.ict.org.il". Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 22 May 2012.
  4. ↑ "The 2014 Global Go To Think Tank Index". University of Pennsylvania. 2015-02-04. Retrieved 2015-02-14.
  5. ↑ "Targeting Toddlers".
  6. ↑ "Israel to probe reported abuse by soldiers in Gaza". USA Today. 2009-03-19.
  7. ↑ "Failure to understand the conflict by UN and the West has created a humanitarian Crisis".
  8. ↑ "About ICT – ICT Team".

External links