Homeland Security Today and George Mason University are proud to host the first COUNTERTERRORISM2025. Register here.
This summit will feature morning and afternoon sessions discussing key terrorism challenges, including the growing threats from international and state-sponsored terrorism, lone actors, and newly designated terrorist groups such as Mexican cartels and international gangs. While U.S. counterterrorism efforts have successfully thwarted many ISIS and Al-Qaeda attacks, these groups remain active globally, particularly in regions like Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. State-sponsored terrorism, especially from Iran-backed organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, continues to destabilize global security.
The summit will also address evolving tactics used by terrorist organizations, including cyber terrorism, the use of drones for surveillance and attacks, the threat of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), and the growing danger of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These technologies and tactics pose significant challenges to counterterrorism strategies, requiring a multi-faceted approach to mitigate their impact. The summit will explore how data analytics, enhanced information sharing, and counter-narrative campaigns can help respond to these complex and rapidly evolving threats. Initiatives like the Global Terrorism Trends and Analysis Center (GTTAC), which plays a pivotal role in collecting and analyzing global terrorism data for the U.S. Department of State, will be highlighted as essential components of a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy. The summit will foster collaboration and innovation by bringing together professionals from across sectors to improve strategies for combating these growing and diverse threats. Additionally, the summit will have poster presentations of GTTAC analysts on critical terrorism topics and counterterrorism approaches.
Agenda
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM Registration and Networking
Participants check in and register.
8:30 – 8:45 AM Opening Remarks
Kristina Tanasichuk, CEO & Founder, Government Technology & Services Coalition; Executive Editor, Homeland Security Today
Mark J. Rozell, Dean, Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University
8:45 – 9:10 AM Opening Keynote Discussion: From the Frontlines to Policy
Mubin Shaikh, former Undercover Counterterrorism Operative, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)
9:10 AM – 9:30 AM Shaping the Future of Counterterrorism: A Deep Dive into Global Trends with GTTAC Data
Amb. Adam Blackwell, Vice President, Development Services Group, Global Initiative Against Organized Crime, Former Canadian Ambassador, Dominican Republic
Dr. Mahmut Cengiz, Associate Professor, Research Faculty, Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center (TraCCC), Schar School of Policy and Government, GMU
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Al Qaeda and ISIS: Are They Defeated or Still Alive? The Global Reach and Strength of Terrorist Networks
A strategic assessment of Al-Qaeda and ISIS affiliate groups across key global regions. It explores Al-Qaeda’s presence through JNIM in the Sahel, Al-Shabaab in Somalia, and AQAP in Yemen, and examines ISIS affiliates including ISIS-Core in Syria, ISIS-K in Afghanistan, ISWAP in Nigeria, ISIS-Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS), ISIS-Mozambique (ISIS-M), and ISIS-Democratic Republic of Congo (ISIS-DRC). The discussion centers on evaluating whether these groups have been meaningfully degraded or have instead evolved and expanded, highlighting their resilience, regional adaptations, and ongoing threat to global security.
Moderator: Daniel Eizenga, Research Fellow, Africa Center for Strategic Studies, National Defense University
Colin Clarke, Director of Research, The Soufan Group
Pearl Matibe, Foreign Policy & Security Analyst, Global Terrorism Trends and Analysis Center (GTTAC)
Mohamed Abdurahman, Journalist and East Africa Analyst
Dexter Ingram, Director, Office of Violent Extremism; former Acting Director, Office of the Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, U.S. State Department
Grab refreshments and review the GTTAC Posters.
10:45 AM – 11:30 AM Terrorism Narratives: Strategies around Recruitment, Counterterrorism, and Mass Manipulation
Narrative and the meaning of it has risen to a critical battlefield in counterterrorism. This panel will examine counterterrorism narratives, the use of narrative in recruitment to terrorist groups, its use in global “education” and manipulation, and stages at which intervention may be possible and successful.
Ajit Maan, Founder and CEO, Narrative Strategies; Professor of Practice, Politics and Global Security, Future Security Initiative, Arizona State University
Suha Hassen, PhD, School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University; Columnist, Homeland Security Today
Dr. Howard Gambrill Clark, Associate Professor, College of Information and Cyberspace, National Defense University; President, Narrative Strategies
11:30 – 12:20 PM Iran-Backed Terror Groups: Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis
How does Iran operate through its proxies in the Middle East and internationally? Trends observed before October 7 regarding terrorist attacks from the West Bank and Gaza. Changes in trends since October 7 and potential future developments. Data collection methods from GTTAC highlighting the increased number of Hamas and Hezbollah attacks
Moderator: Dr. Ellen Laipson, Director, International Security Program, Schar School of Policy and Government, GMU
Dr. Eoin B. Healy, Senior Research Scientist, Global Terrorism Trends and Analysis Center
Mahmoud Shehrah, Associate Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Program, Chatham House
Mubin Shaikh, former Undercover Counterterrorism Operative, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)
12:20 – 1:30 PM Lunch & GTTAC Poster Presentations
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM Data Analytics and Enhanced Information Sharing
Explore the evolving landscape of global terrorism and how agencies cooperate and help respond to these complex and rapidly evolving threats. Initiatives in sharing, collecting and analyzing global terrorism data for the Border Security agencies. Highlighting tactics and strategies for sharing insight in combating these growing and diverse threats.
Stephen T. Maloney, Executive Director, National Targeting Center (NTC), U.S. Customs and Border Protection
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Evolving Terrorism: Cyber, Technology, WMDS and Tactics, and Radicalization in the Digital Age
How are terrorist organizations exploiting digital platforms to recruit, radicalize, and coordinate attacks? Join us to examine the evolving cyber terrorism landscape, focusing on online propaganda, encrypted communications, and the use of social media for global recruitment. This panel will also address the integration of emerging tactics—including drones, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)—highlighting the fusion of physical and digital threats in modern terrorist operations.
Moderator: Gregory Koblentz, Associate Professor & Director, Biodefense Graduate Program Schar School of Policy and Government, GMU; Co-Director, Global BioLabs Initiative; Editor-in-Chief, The Pandora Report
Nitin Natarajan, Former Deputy Director, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security
Triana McNeill, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Government Accountability Office*
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Narco and Gang Terrorism
This discussion focuses on the growing convergence between transnational drug cartels, international gangs, and terrorist activities, particularly in Latin America. It highlights the identification of newly designated organizations operating in the region and their increasing use of violence, intimidation, and corruption to undermine stability. The discussion focuses on the implications for counterterrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies that address both criminal and ideological threats.
Panel Keynote: Troy Miller, former Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security
Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government; Co-Director, Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center (TraCCC), GMU
Vanda Felbab-Brown, Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy, Brookings Institution
David Luna, Executive Director, International Coalition Against Illicit Economies (ICAIE)
CEO, ICAIE Foundation, Co-founder, Illicit Economies of The Shadowverse
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Combatting Terrorism: Financing, Cyber, and Policy
This panel explores how terrorist groups exploit financial systems, including trade-based money laundering and infiltration of the legitimate economy, with real-world examples like recent charges against Hezbollah financiers. It also examines the evolution of U.S. counterterrorism policy since 9/11, highlighting how strategies have adapted to shifting global threats.
Christopher Costa, Director, International Spy Museum
David Scott, former Assistant Director, Counterterrorism, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Brett Holmgren, former Director, National Counterterrorism Center
5:00 PM – 5:15 PM The Diverse Path Forward: Strategies and Recommendations
Brig. Gen. Francis X. Taylor, former Undersecretary Intelligence & Analysis, Department of Homeland Security; former Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Bureau of Counterterrorism and Countering Violent Extremism, U.S. State Department
A full Thanksgiving feast — turkey, sides, and desserts (with plenty of extras!)
Face painting & crafts for the kids
Cocktails & conversation for the adults
Camaraderie for all — reconnect, recharge, and reflect together
A powerful and inspiring read! Kathleen Scudder’s journey as a border patrol agent, navigating a male-dominated field while confronting life’s unexpected twists and turns, is sure to resonate with many. The raw and poignant storytelling will undoubtedly draw readers into the deeply personal and transformative moments that have shaped her life, both on and off the front lines. Following Kathy’s journey through the physical and mental demands of her job, the challenges of being underestimated, and breaking barriers in law enforcement, readers will experience the grueling days in the field, the unshakeable grief of losing loved ones, and the joys and trials of new motherhood. Her story of perseverance, grit, and unwavering commitment to her duty is a testament to the extraordinary things we can achieve when we dare to step into the unknown. “What Did I Sign Up For” is not just a memoir; it’s a beacon of inspiration, a call to push beyond the boundaries of fear, and a reminder to embrace our own journeys with courage and grace. Kathy’s story encourages us to find strength in adversity and to never, EVER become a dick.