Major Dilemmas in Counterterrorism

What is terrorism—and how should societies respond effectively and ethically? More than two decades after 9/11, threats and extremist networks continue to evolve. Understanding the dilemmas of counterterrorism—where strategy, law, intelligence, media and morality intersect—has never been more urgent.

This course examines the major debates shaping modern counterterrorism. You will explore fundamental questions such as: Who is a terrorist? What causes terrorism? How should democracies balance liberty with security? Can targeted killings or mass surveillance ever be justified? And, after years of the so-called “War on Terror”, what has actually worked?

You’ll examine:

• Evolving definitions, models and drivers of terrorism.

• Legal, ethical and political dilemmas in response.

• State sponsorship and intelligence-sharing challenges.

• Strategy successes, failures and unintended consequences.

• Impacts on democratic values, trust and social cohesion.

Led by Dr Michele Groppi, Senior Lecturer in Defence Studies at King’s College London, the course blends rigorous academic theory with practical insight from policy and practice. Drawing on global case studies and contemporary research, you’ll build analytical tools to evaluate the effectiveness—and legitimacy—of counterterrorism approaches.

By the end, you will be able to assess competing strategies, weigh legal and ethical trade-offs, and reflect on the future of security in an era of complex and adaptive threats.