Social Network Analysis: A methodology for studying terrorism

Abstract

This chapter aims to bring to the reader an overview of the work done since the 9/11 terrorist attack, in the field of Social Network Analysis as a tool for understanding the underlying pattern /dynamics of terrorism and terrorist networks. SNA is particularly suitable for analyzing terrorist networks as it takes relationships into account rather than merely attributes, which are difficult to obtain for covert networks. Using graph theoretic methods and measures and open source data it has been possible to map terrorist networks and examine roles of different actors, as well as identify groups and structures within the network. The methodology is illustrated by reviewing two case studies: the 9/11 terrorist network study by Krebs, that used data from a single terrorist attack, and a study by Basu that used data from about 200 terrorist incidents in India to create a network of terrorist organizations for predictive purposes.