Interrogation Methods and Terror Networks

Abstract

We examine how the structure of terror networks varies with legal limits on interrogation and the ability of authorities to extract information from detainees. We assume that terrorist networks are designed to respond optimally to a trade-off caused by information exchange: Diffusing information widely leads to greater internal efficiency, but it leaves the organization more vulnerable to law enforcement. The extent of this vulnerability depends on the law enforcement authority's resources, strategy and interrogation methods. Recognizing that the structure of a terrorist network responds to the policies of law enforcement authorities allows us to begin to explore the most effective policies from the authorities' point of view.

Managing Insurgency

“…This scholarship suggests that insurgent leadership either selects agents that will not act out or aligns incentives through contracts. While these results are important, they are derived from models or theory that rarely consider agent-agent interactions, 6 focusing instead on a single type of misbehaving agent. My paper adds a new dimension by identifying how agent-agent interactions between diverse agents matter for the management of agency problems.…”

CRIMEFIGHTER ASSISTANT - A Knowledge Management Tool for Terrorist Network Analysis

“…A terrorist network is a special kind of social network with emphasis on both secrecy and efficiency. Such networks are intentionally structured to ensure efficient communication between members without being detected (Baccara and Bar-Isaac 2009;Lindelauf, Borm, and Hamers 2009;Enders and Su 2007;Baker and Faulkner 1993;Latora and Marchiori 2004).…”

How to Organize Crime1

“…35 35 Baccara and Bar‐Isaac (2008) take some first steps in this direction. See also Spagnolo (2008) and Harrington (forthcoming) and references therein for a currently active research programme that addresses leniency in the context of cartels (though typically assuming that all members have the same information). …”