AP photo
Fall 2008
"Assessing the Dangers of Illicit Networks: Why al-Qaida May Be Less Dangerous Than Many Think"
Journal Article, International Security, issue 2, volume 33
By Mette Eilstrup-Sangiovanni and Calvert Jones
Closer attention to a wider body of historical and contemporary research on dynamics of participation in underground movements, the life cycle of terrorism and insurgency, and vulnerabilities in organized crime reveals that clandestine networks are often not as adaptable or resilient as they are made out to be. An analysis of the al-Qaida network suggests that as al-Qaida adopts a more networked organization, it becomes exposed to a gamut of organizational dilemmas that threatens to reduce its unity, cohesion, and ability to act collectively.
