[Advanced summer programme] Terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law

Unfortunately registrations are closed as we are at full capacity. Please sign up for your Education and Events newsletter to be informed as soon as registrations open next year.

“Combatting terror must never be used as an excuse for trampling on people’s human rights. We need to firmly ground all counter-terrorism policies and initiatives within human rights. Because when we protect human rights, we are in fact tackling many of the root causes of terrorism.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres, 25 January 2023

From 28 August – 1 September 2023, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) will host the 13th Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law. In this thought-provoking summer training programme you will focus on the international and domestic legal aspects of countering terrorism and violent extremism, in inspiring and interactive classes by leading academics and practitioners in the field. 

Overview
The threat of far-right political terrorism has been steadily rising and far-right terrorist groups now account for thirty per cent of all fatalities in the period from 2007-2021 (Global Terrorism Index 2022). The war in Ukraine has triggered a further increase in traditional and cyber terrorism and has led to a further conflation of terrorism and armed conflict.

In 2021, the Islamic State (IS) replaced the Taliban as the world’s deadliest terrorist organisation. The Islamic State (IS) and its affiliate groups were responsible for 29% of all deaths from terrorism globally in 2021 (Global Terrorism Index 2021). While EU Member States have seen a reduction in the number of foiled, failed, and completed terrorist attacks (57 in 2020 in comparison to 117 in 2019 according to Europol), politically motivated attacks have been steadily on the rise with 73% of incidents being attributed to politically motivated groups and individuals (Global Terrorism Index 2021).

Across the world, extremist and terrorist activities have continuously triggered an increase in security laws and measures. To prevent terrorism and violent extremism as early as possible, states have grappled with defining terrorism and proscribing terrorist and extremist organisations, introduced early prevention mechanisms, and expanded domestic and international legal and policy toolkits to counter the ever-developing threat posed by terrorism and violent extremism.

Are these measures effective? Are these measures lawful, legitimate, and proportionate to their impact on the rule of law and human rights?

About the programme
The 13^th version of our renowned summer programme will bring you inspiring and thought-provoking lectures by leading experts in the field, interactive sessions, in-person study visits to Eurojust and the International Criminal Court (ICC), group discussions (under the Chatham House Rule), panel presentations and a great, global network in the field. 

Download the full programme

Speakers

Prof. Maura Conway (Dublin City University)
Dr Marina Aksenova (IE University)
Prof. Kimberley Trapp (University College London)
Dr Gavin Sullivan (University of Edinburgh)
Dr Bàrbara Molas (International Centre for Counter-Terrorism)
Dr Cathrine Thorleifsson (University of Oslo)
Dr Bibi van Ginkel (International Centre for Counter-Terrorism)
Prof. Paul Gill (University College London)
Prof. Richard English (Queen's University Belfast)
Mr. Simon Minks (Netherlands Public Prosecution Service)
Kamal Anwar (UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT/UNCCT))
Dr Tarik Gherbaoui (Asser Institute/University of Amsterdam)
Dr. Christine Andreeva (Metropolitan University Prague)
Dr Jessica Dorsey (Utrecht University)
Prof. Noemie Bouhana (University College London)

Watch the video from the 10^th Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law.

Key topics

• Understanding the radicalisation of individuals and early prevention
• Current trends in Far-Right extremism and tools for disruption and prevention
• Countering, criminalizing and prosecuting the financing of terrorism
• Gender dimensions of countering terrorism and violent extremism
• Countering terrorism and violent extremism in online spaces
• Latest trends in the development of counter-terrorism laws and policies at the international and European level, including by the UN and the EU
• Prosecution of terrorist acts and evidentiary challenges
• Extremist/terrorist behaviour, patterns, and pathways to deradicalization
• Susceptibility and social ecology: Assessing and preventing extremist and terrorist risk
• Countering terrorism in the 21st Century: International law and digital security infrastructure
• The role of the rule of law and human rights law in countering terrorism and violent extremism
• Study visits to Eurojust and the Inernational Criminal Court 

Target audience

• Practitioners
• Diplomats
• Academics
• Civil servants
• Policymakers
• PhD candidates and advanced students
• Security services
• People working for NGOs
• National and international experts