Identifying the Risk for Terrorist Events in India

• In Event: Risk Terrain Modeling II

Abstract

Onat (2018) argued that terrorist targets vary by ideology, a finding repeatedly found in the security studies literature. While past work has connected certain targets with ideological associations (such as animal rights extremists targeting animal research labs, etc.), few empirical studies have sought to test the overall risk of targeting based on geographic characteristics. Using the Republic of India as a case study and applying the theory of risky places framework, this paper seeks to identify the locations in India at the highest risk of being targeted by extremists in the future. The paper employs risk terrain modeling to isolate these targets, then provides broader recommendations to Indian decision-makers for bolstering the security of these locations to harden them against potential illicit activity.

Authors

• Jared R. Dmello, Texas A&M International University

• Christine H. Neudecker, Rutgers University - Newark