By Christine June
Public Affairs Office
George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (July 11, 2016) – Professor James Howcroft, director of the Program on Terrorism and Security Studies (PTSS), discusses Strategy for Combating Terrorism July 11 attending the Program on Terrorism and Security Studies at the George C. Marshall Center for Security Studies.

Howcroft defined “strategy” as the art and science of developing and employing instruments of national power in a synchronized and integrated fashion to achieve national and/or multinational objectives.

He added that good strategy focuses effort on a common goal, provides a practical plan of action, gives direction to subordinates, synchronizes efforts and harmonizes with values.

An important part of the PTSS course is a counterterrorism project that each participant must complete. 

“This project gives participants a chance to think, analyze and apply PTSS concepts,” Howcroft said. “Participants will end up with a product of value to themselves and their nation when they return home.”

Howcroft said each participant will be asked to analyze the nature of their respective nation’s terrorist threat and pick one particular aspect of the threat.  They are asked to consider current practices and select a capability gap that exists and then outline steps to address and improve the gap.  They are also asked to be ready to present their conclusions and recommendations to share with other participants so everyone can understand more about the transnational nature of terrorism.