The Ankara Center for Crisis and Policy Studies (ANKASAM) presents its interview with Prof. Dr. Rohan Gunaratna, Professor of Security Studies at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, and the founder of the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research in Singapore. This interview explores the role of artificial intelligence in the global security landscape, its ethical and security risks, its impact on international collaborations, and the strategic opportunities it offers in counterterrorism.
1. What are your thoughts on the role of technology, especially artificial intelligence, in combating terrorism?
The quintessential emerging technology of our time is AI. The terrorists have harnessed AI and will continue to exploit it in the coming years. To mitigate the risk and to manage the threat, we need the best minds to study the developments.
In addition to governments, the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre in the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism is responding to this challenge through its Global Counter-Terrorism Programme on Cybersecurity and New Technologies.
My current functional reseach is how AI should be integrated for terrorism research. I have argued that AI can trace “the hand that place the needle in the haystack”. Those interested to work in this functional area of research may share their thoughts with me.
2. How can long-term strategies be developed to ensure the sustainability of counter-terrorism efforts?
As the global security environment continues to evolve, various threat elements are emerging. International organizations and governments have established comprehensive policy frameworks and developed diverse strategies to ensure.
The three principal approaches that define this toolkit include,
- tactical counter-terrorism
- operational counter-terrorism and
- strategic counter-terrorism.
Short-term and operational security measures involve reactive and preventive interventions against immediate threats, while long-term strategic approaches focus on enhancing societal resilience, mitigating risks, and developing sustainable solutions.
In this context, public awareness initiatives, projects that support social cohesion, and reintegration programs play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of security policies. This ensures that security policies remain lasting and sustainable in the long run.
3. How effective is international collaboration in addressing the threats of terrorism and extremism? What additional steps can be taken to enhance cooperation?
With the global reach of threat groups increasing, international security and intelligence services should shift from counter-terrorism cooperation to collaboration.
To enhance international cooperation in the field of security:
- Common databases should be established.
- Reciprocal personnel exchange programs should be implemented.
- Joint training and exercises should be organized.
- The sharing of experience, expertise, and resources should be enhanced.
I believe that such collaborations can contribute to the preservation of global security and help manage risks more effectively.
