Terrorism Expert Discusses Research: "Why the Conventional Wisdom on Terrorism is Wrong"
By Matt Guzzardi, '17 | February 25, 2016
Dr. Max Abrahms joined the Institute Thursday evening to discuss his research on the motives and responses of terrorism in today's global landscape. Dr. Abrahms is currently a political science professor at Northeastern University; he is acclaimed across the nation for his research into the science behind terrorism. He is often interviewed on major news networks discussing his findings.
On Thursday, Dr. Abrahms intrigued a full audience of students and members of the community at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College by sharing his research on the results of terrorism.
"The measured variable in his research was if terrorism induces government concessions that are often the goal of most terrorist attacks," said Dr. Abrahms. "Through the research, it becomes clear that although the reason operatives terrorize is for political utility, it is not in fact an effective way to accomplish the regime goals."
Abrahms then explained his main theory that leaders of regimes are aware of that civilian attacks of terror do not provide positive results. From this, Abrahms concludes that regimes with weaker leaders are more likely to bring about attacks on citizens.
Following Dr. Abrahms speech, a brief question and answer period followed. Questions ranged from policy implications to the San Bernadido case, to which Dr. Abrahms gave study-backed answers.