RESEARCH FOR RESILIENCE
The National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE), based at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, aims to be the nation’s leading academic center for the study of emerging and novel terrorism threats. Funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the NCITE consortium includes more than 50 researchers at partner institutions across the U.S. and Europe.
Submissions from 2024
Malicious Insider Threats: An Overview, Matthew Allen, Kat Parsons, Tin L. Nguyen, and Lauren Zimmerman
Understanding Insider Threats: Learning from Related Research Streams, Matthew Allen, Kat Parsons, Tin L. Nguyen, and Lauren Zimmerman
Behind the curve: technology challenges facing the homeland intelligence and counterterrorism workforce, Michelle Black, Lana Obradovic, and Deanna House
Physical security culture: The neglected foundation for effective security, Kelsey Ciagala, Sydney L. Reichin, Kat Parsons, and Samuel T. Hunter
Examining Artificial Intelligence and its Role in Malevolent Creativity and Innovation: How AI Can Enhance Novel Threats and Attacks, Alexis L. d'Amato, Madison Scott, Emma Theobald, Averie E. Linnell, Joel Elson, Sam T. Hunter, and Jack Rygg
Research Challenges in Combating Terrorists Use of Explosives in the United States – 2024: Key Science and Technology Contributions, Austin C. Doctor
Understanding Terrorist Use of Explosives in the United States, Austin C. Doctor, Angie Benda, and Lauren Moss
Research Challenges in Combating Terrorist Use of Explosives in the United States 2024, Austin C. Doctor, Samuel T. Hunter, Gina Scott Ligon, Gary Wes Carter, Dan Polanski, and Jimmie Oxley
Innovation in Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention: Final Closeout Report, Joel Elson and Erin M. Kearns
Innovation in Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention: Phase II Summary Report, Joel Elson and Erin M. Kearns
Advancements in the Connection Between Unmanned Systems (UxS) and Geospatial Technologies, Abie Harder, Ryan Vilter, and Austin C. Doctor
Soft Target Security: Examining the Need and Readiness for Sector-Specific Standards, Jennifer Hesterman, Sam T. Hunter, Katherine Parsons, Kelsey Ciagala, and Sydney L. Reichin
Snapshot of U.S. Federal Cases Against Violent Incels, Seamus Hughes and Camden Carmichael
Snapshot of U.S. Federal Cases Against Violent QAnon Adherents, Seamus Hughes, Camden Carmichael, and Clara Braun
The Metaverse as a Future Threat Landscape: An Interdisciplinary Perspective, Sam T. Hunter, Alexis L. d'Amato, Joel Elson, Austin C. Doctor, and Averie E. Linnell
Threat and Risk Assessment Measurement: A State of the Science Review, Sam T. Hunter, Katherine Parsons, Kelsey Ciagala, Sydney L. Reichin, Matt Allen, Erin M. Kearns, Austin C. Doctor, and Joel Elson
Messaging Matters: How Extremists Influence Followers Online, Matthew Jensen, Shane Connelly, Hairong Song, Ares Boira Lopez, Joseph Stewart, and Cecelia F. Gordon
Screening for Insider Threats in US Law Enforcement: A National Sample of Department Policies and Practices Plain Language Summary, Erin M. Kearns, Sadaf Hashimi, Jessica Huff, Justin Nix, and Natalie Cotton
Screening for Insider Threats in US Law Enforcement: A National Sample of Department Policies and Practices Self-Assessment Toolkit, Erin M. Kearns, Sadaf Hashimi, Jessica Huff, Justin Nix, and Natalie Cotton
Screening for Insider Threats in US Law Enforcement: A National Sample of Department Policies and Practices State of Practice Guide, Erin M. Kearns, Sadaf Hashimi, Jessica Huff, Justin Nix, and Natalie Cotton
Review of Publicly Accessible Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Program Guides, Erin M. Kearns, Callie Vitro, and Sarah Schappert
One Year Later: The Impact of the Oct. 7 Attack in the United States, Gina Scott Ligon, Mackenzie Harms, Erin Grace, and Blake Ursch
The Needs and Barriers Associated with Publicly Available Datasets on Domestic Terrorism: A Survey of Counterterrorism Analysts, Michael Logan and Steven Windisch
Vicarious Trauma in Counterterrorism Practitioners, Daisy Muibu, Joseph Young, Michael Becker, Sarah Lynch, Ethan Ferguson, and Lindsay Barclay
National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center Annual Report 2023-2024, National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Program Capabilities: Plain Language Summary, Tin L. Nguyen, Mario J. Scalora, and Denise Bulling
Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Programs: Practitioner-Informed Baseline Capabilities, Tin L. Nguyen, Mario J. Scalora, and Denise Bulling
Terrorist Recruitment Profile Somalia, Evan Perkoski, Meredith Maloof Loken, and Alec Worsnop
Advancements in the Connection Between Internet of Things (IoT) and Geospatial Technologies, Madeline Romm
Preventing U.S. Election Violence: Countering the Harmful Effects of Election Conspiracy Theories, Bettina Rottweiler, Isabelle van der Vegt, and Paul Gill
Advancements in Open-Source Geospatial Technologies and the Exploitation by Bad Actors, Megan Rutter
Operational Components Related to the Development, Implementation, and Sustainability of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Programs, Mario J. Scalora and Denise Bulling
Impact Assessment: National Security Simulation Course at Duke University, David Schanzer, Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, and Jessica Sperling
Pixels and Propaganda: A Primer on Gaming, Gaming-Adjacent Platforms, and Extremism, Madison Scott, Emma Theobald, Alexis L. d'Amato, Joel Elson, and Samuel T. Hunter
A Directory of Threat Assessment Models, Amber Seaward, Zoe Marchment, and Paul Gill
Understanding Threats to Public Officials, Peter Simi, Christopher Bader, and Seamus Hughes
Recognizing and Getting Help for Extremist Behavior: A Guide for Families, Karyn Sporer, Brooke Buxton, and Nicholas Brown
The Relationship Between Language Use and Conspiracy Beliefs, Isabelle van der Vegt, Bettina Rottweiler, and Paul Gill
Data Snapshot: The Consequences of "True Threats" Among Local Election Officials, Steven Windisch
Guardians of the Ballot Box: Addressing Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities and Privacy Concerns for Local Election Officials in Digital Spaces, Steven Windisch; Adrienne Brookstein; Steven Chen; Adan Vela; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Submissions from 2023
Examining Best Practices in Threat Assessment from an Insider Threat Perspective: A Review and Integration: Interim Deliverable, Matt Allen, Katherine Parsons, Tin L. Nguyen, and Lauren Zimmerman
Financing Violent Extremism: An Examination of Maligned Creativity in the Use of Financial Technologies, Marc-Andre Argentino; Jessica Davis; Tore Refslund Hamming; National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center; and International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation
The Death of Bilal al-Sudani and Its Impact on Islamic State Operations, Tricia Bacon and Austin C. Doctor
Vicarious Trauma via the Observation of Extremist Atrocities: A Rapid Evidence Assessment, Matthew Crayne and Neil Shortland
Psychological Trauma in Terrorism (PT2R): Phase 1 End of Year Report, Matthew Crayne; Neil Shortland; Jennifer L. Mezzapelle; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Transnational Ties Between Selected U.S. and Foreign Violent Extremist Actors: Evidence from the Mapping Militants Project, Martha Crenshaw; Kaitlyn Robinson; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Creativity training needs assessment for homeland security enterprise: a case for creative thinking, Alexis L. d'Amato and Samuel T. Hunter
Militant Leadership and Terrorism in Armed Conflict, Austin C. Doctor, Samuel T. Hunter, and Gina Scott Ligon
Reintegration of Foreign Terrorist Fighter Families: A Framework of Best Practices for the U.S., Austin C. Doctor; Haroro J. Ingram; Devorah Margolin; Andrew Mines; Lorenzo Vidino; National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center; and Program on Extremism, George Washington University
Innovation in Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention: Phase 1 Summary Report, Joel Elson and Erin M. Kearns
Knowledge Gaps in Reporting, Joel Elson and Erin M. Kearns
Reporting Form Construction, Joel Elson and Erin M. Kearns
Threat Assessment Team Cohesion, Joel Elson and Erin M. Kearns
Understanding and Applying SAR to Ideological and Nation- State-Sponsored Cybercrimes, Thomas J. Holt; Steve Chermak; Joshua D. Freilich; Emily Greene-Colozzi; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Applying Normal Accident Theory to Ideological and Nation-State-Sponsored Cybercrimes, Thomas J. Holt and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
GW Extremism Tracker: Oath Keepers, Seamus Hughes
GW Extremism Tracker: Terrorism in the United States, Seamus Hughes
GW Extremism Tracker: The Islamic State in America, Seamus Hughes
Equifinality and the Key Role it Plays in Understanding the Future of Leadership, Sam T. Hunter, Austin C. Doctor, Matthew Allen, and Gina Scott Ligon
Messaging Matters: Ideological Influence Online Year 3 Final Report, Matthew L. Jensen; Shane Connelly; Shaila Miranda; Hairong Song; Ares Boira Lopez; Cecilia Gordon; Joseph Stewart; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Founding Fathers of the Modern American Neo-Nazi Movement: The Impacts and Legacies of Louis Beam, William Luther Pierce, and James Mason, Jon Lewis; Haroro J. Ingram; National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center; and Program on Extremism, George Washington University
The Needs of the Counterterrorism Workforce: The Availability and Utility of Datasets on Domestic Terrorism and Targeted Violence, Michael Logan, Steven Windisch, and Adrienne Brookstein
Trends in the Return and Prosecution of ISIS Foreign Terrorist Fighters in the United States, Tanya Mehra, Merlina Herbach, Devorah Margolin, and Austin C. Doctor
The Age of Incoherence? Understanding Mixed and Unclear Ideology Extremism, Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens; Moustafa Ayad; Program on Extremism, George Washington University; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Maintaining the Movement: ISIS Outreach to Westerners in the Post-Caliphate Era, Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens; Julien Bellaiche; Program on Extremism, The George Washington University; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
NCITE Annual Report 2022-2023, National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Advancing an Organizational Health Perspective for Insider Threat Prevention and Management, Tin L. Nguyen, Matthew T. Allen, and Kat Parsons
Malevolent Creativity as Parochial Altruism? Examining the Intergroup Bases of New and Harmful Ideas, Tin L. Nguyen, Alexis L. d'Amato, Scarlett Miller, and Samuel T. Hunter
GW Extremism Tracker: The Proud Boys, Program on Extremism, George Washington University and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Militant Splinter Groups and the Use of Violence, Kaitlyn Robinson and Iris Malone
Countering Far-Right Anti-Government Extremism in the United States, Kaitlyn Robinson, Iris Malone, and Martha Crenshaw
Understanding Threats to Public Officials, Peter Simi and Seamus Hughes
Facilitating Suspicious Activity Reporting at the Community Level, Karyn Sporer and Brooke Buxton
Prevention Program Sustainability and Associated Determinants: A Literature Review, Version 1.0, Andrea Walker, Sarah Steele, Matt Allen, and Nicholas J. Arreola
Submissions from 2022
Imitators or Innovators? Comparing Salafi-Jihadist and White Supremacist Attack Planning in the United States, Bennett Clifford; Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens; Program on Extremism, George Washington University; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Women in American Violent Extremism: An Examination of Far-Right and Salafi-Jihadist Movements, Chelsea Daymon; Devorah Margolin; Program on Extremism, George Washington University; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Hezbollah's Operations and Networks in the United States: Two Decades in Reviews, Anyssia S. Kokinos; Nakissa P. Jahanbani; Jon Lewis; Devorah Margolin; Program on Extremism, George Washington University; National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center; and Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
Mayhem, Murder, and Misdirection: Violent Extremist Attack Plots Against Critical Infrastructure in the United States, 2016-2022, Ilana Krill; Bennett Clifford; Program on Extremism, George Washington University; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Fighting the Hydra: Combatting Vulnerabilities in Online Leaderless Resistance Networks, Iris Malone; Lauren Blasco; Kaitlyn Robinson; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Emerging Risks in the Marine Transportation System (MTS), 2001- 2021, Iris Malone; Anastasia Strouboulis; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Emerging Risks in the Marine Transportation System Post-9/11: NCITE Research Snapshot, Iris Malone; Anastasia Strouboulis; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Predicting Targeted Violence: An Update, National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center and Iris Malone
Barriers to Family Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) of Mobilization Behaviors and Pre-Operational Planning: Report to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center; Peter Simi; and Marisa Quezada
Target Personification Influences the Positive Emotional Link Between Generating and Implementing Malevolently Creative Ideas, Tin L. Nguyen, Kayla N. Walters, Alexis L. d'Amato, Scarlett R. Miller, and Samuel T. Hunter
Contemporary Violent Extremism and the Black Hebrew Israelite Movement, Program on Extremism, The George Washington University and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
The Islamic State in America: After the Caliphate, Lorenzo Vidino; Seamus Hughes; Bennett Clifford; Program on Extremism, George Washington University; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Jihadist Attacks in the West: 2014-2022, Lorenzo Vidino; Francesco Marone; Program on Extremism, George Washington University; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Islamist Homophobia in the West: From Rhetoric to Violence, Lorenzo Vidino; Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens; Program on Extremism, George Washington University; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Submissions from 2021
Project 10: Training and Education Research and Implementation Strategies for Homeland Security Intelligence Community, Michelle Black, Lana Obradovic, Elizabeth Bender, Claire Benedix, Josie Nelson, Grant Van Robays, and Christiane Youngberg
Training & Education for the Homeland Security Intelligence Community, Michelle Black; Lana Obradovic; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
RACIALLY/ETHNICALLY MOTIVATED VIOLENT EXTREMIST (RMVE) ATTACK PLANNING AND UNITED STATES FEDERAL RESPONSE, 2014-2019, Bennett Clifford; Program on Extremism, George Washington University; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
The Founding Fathers of American Jihad: The Impacts and Legacies of Anwar al-Awlaki, Samir Khan, and Ahmad Abousamra, Haroro J. Ingram; Jon Lewis; Program on Extremism, George Washington University; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Predicting Domestic Extremism and Targeted Violence: A Machine Learning Approach, Iris Malone; Anastasia Strouboulis; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
RISE OF THE REACTIONARIES: COMPARING THE IDEOLOGIES OF SALAFI-JIHADISM AND WHITE SUPREMACIST EXTREMISM, Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens; Blyth Crawford; Valentin Wutke; Program on Extremism, George Washington University; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Anarchist/Left-Wing Violent Extremism in American: Trends in Radicalization, Recruitment, and Mobilization, National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center and Program on Extremism, The George Washington University
Family Responses to White Supremacist Extremism: Report to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center; Peter Simi; Steven Windisch; Matthew DeMichele; Karyn Sporer; Amy Aghajanian; Nathan Dufour; Marisa Quezada; and Corinne Tam
Barriers to Family Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) of Mobilization Behaviors and Pre-Operational Planning: Report to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center; Karyn Sporer; Peter Simi; Matthew DeMichele; Steven Windisch; Amy Aghajanian; Nathan Dufour; and Corinne Tam
Submissions from 2020
ANTISEMITISM AS AN UNDERLYING PRECURSOR TO VIOLENT EXTREMISM IN AMERICAN FAR-RIGHT AND ISLAMIST CONTEXTS, Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens; Bennett Clifford; Lorenzo Vidino; Program on Extremism, George Washington University; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center
Dollars for Daesh: Analyzing the Finances of American ISIS Supporters, Lorenzo Vidino; Jon Lewis; Andrew Mines; Program on Extremism, George Washington University; and National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center