Research Project “Terrorism Yearbook“

If not earlier, the occurrence of terrorism has certainly become one of the central worldwide security policy challenges since the attacks in the US on September 11, 2001. Daily reports on terrorist attacks attest to the new issue of this ancient offense strategy in all parts of the world. In particular, non-governmental actors whose means are not ample for open confrontations with governmental security forces use this method in order to run aimed attacks in an effective manner against `the state´ with comparatively low input. The high degree of attention that has been ascribed to terrorism since September 11, 2001 is reflected in an increasing tide of journalistic news coverage, scientific reports and analyses of security policy. Contributing to this development are in particular the wide spread thematical areas and fields which are effected by terrorist threats and take part in terrorist abatement. The sprectrum of topics which is analysed ranges from legal and police matters, economic and financial factors as well as intelligence and security policy subject areas. Irrespective of the particular point of view which is taken, there is a certain lack of objectivity in many cases but above all a lack of reliable facts, figures and data on terrorist attacks, groups and strategies. This often reduces the general level of the official and scholarly debate and impedes an impartial cause and threat analysis in many cases. Such analyses are urgently needed in order to develop adequate recommendations for combating terrorism and to ultimately to grasp necessary measures in order to encounter the terrorist threat in an effective manner.

Aim and Intention of the Yearbook
The aim of the yearbook is to provide a contrast to the described deficit of information by offering an objective, scientifically based reference work on a yearly basis, respectively. As regarding content the main focus will be put on Islamist fundamentalist terrorism. The concept of the yearbook envisages two central organizational sections. First, a comprehensive collection of data on terrorist attacks, terrorist groups and the measures taken to combat terrorism and second a section with analyses on the causes, effects and further developments of terrorism.
On the basis of reliable, objective data and established, scientifically defined terms which are made available to the public the yearbook should serve as a reference work and resource for scientists and practitioners. The overall goal is to facilitate scientific and public discussions and facilitate the objectivity of this debate. Because there is no other comparable compilation of data concerning terrorist attacks in German this section of the yearbook will be particularly valuable.

The comprehensive data that is to be compiled and made available comprises only one part of the contents of the yearbook. A second part is the analytical section. In this section causes and effects of terrorism will be illuminated, recommendations for the abatement of terrorism developed and prognosen about the further development of terrorist phenomena put forth. Herewith, the yearbook itself can profit from the collection of data and information gathered in it. The possibilities which become evident for the scientific discussion again underscore the often underestimated value of empirical data collection. Only the combination of empirical data and the analysis thereof coherently round off the concept of the yearbook.

Time schedule and Implementation
The first edition of the yearbook encompasses the year 2006. Accordingly, the collection of data began on January 1, 2006. As regards to content and the quality that the yearbook strives to meet it is of great use that the data collection relies on information from the information services of the German news agency (Deutsche Presseagentur `dpa´) and is herewith based on a serious and independent source. Beyond this, other independent information services from press agencies, research institutes etc. will be drawn upon.

The financial funding of the yearbook 2006 was drawn completely from research funds which were primarily provided by the Society for Security Policy and Arms Control and the Michael-Freund Society.
Staff
Director: Prof. Dr. Joachim Krause

Coordination: Dr. Kristina Eichhorst

Data Collection: Diana Witt, M.A.