Introduction

In the previous chapter we looked into the impact of terrorism and counterterrorism and how to limit that impact on societies and our daily lives. In this chapter we will reflect on what we know and what we do not yet know about terrorism and counterterrorism.

Let us first briefly go back to the previous parts of this book. In chapter 1 we explored the definition and essence of terrorism and looked into the question of why there is no generally accepted definition of the term and the consequences this might have. In chapter 2 we described and analysed the history of terrorism. This was followed by a chapter on the state of the art of terrorism studies in which we explained why it is so difficult to do research on terrorism and counterterrorism. In chapters 4 and 5 we explored and discussed assumptions on terrorism and counterterrorism. And, as mentioned above, in the previous chapter we looked into the impact of terrorism. In these different chapters we observed a need for further study on certain topics, a lack of consensus about certain assumptions and persisting challenges for policymakers.

In this final chapter we stress the need for research into these domains. We look into un- and underresearched topics in terrorism studies and end with a suggestion for a future research agenda. First, however, we would like to emphasise that in order to be able to look ahead, it is important to grasp fully what is going on today and to try to see trends and developments. That is why we start this chapter by focusing on the importance of monitoring developments and analysing trends in an attempt to forecast what may be coming towards us.

Importance of monitoring trends and looking ahead

Why is it important to investigate developments and trends and to look ahead? In the first chapter of this book we mentioned that terrorism is a constantly changing phenomenon. One of the goals of studying terrorism and counterterrorism is to provide answers to the questions of policy-makers and politicians and those of the general public. They want to know what is happening today and what may happen tomorrow and in the years to come. With regard to counterterrorism, we also mentioned that prevention is one of the key elements of counterterrorism policies.