A System Shock Approach to Modelling Clandestine Network Disruption
Abstract
Clandestine networks, in their most infamous form taking the guise of terrorist groups, are a clear danger to the stability and well-being of society. Without trying to contradict other approaches or reinvent the wheel of counter-terrorism, a theoretical basis of system shock was chosen in the formation of a model to support counter-terrorist initiatives. This model took as its focus the disruption of successful terrorist operations. In doing so it drew upon operational art, group behavioural studies, and psychological research into problem solving. The result was a model of operations as a 'concert' of properties being activated to produce an environmental change. Damage to the properties, or the ways they were included and activated as part of the concert, lead to the infliction of system shock upon the operational whole. Ineffective operations rendered the whole target system ineffective. Procedures for applying this model in different circumstances were examined, and experimental exercises performed to verify usability by nonspecialists. The conclusion of the study was that, while more work was needed to refine this approach, it showed promise, and reinforced the notion that terrorists are not an invincible adversary.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 25, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA460301
Entities
People
- Tamlan Dipper