Breaking Al-Qaeda ─ Psychological and Operational Techniques

"Despite the killing of Osama bin Laden , the Al-Qaeda network he inspired is still alive and well and in some places, thriving. The rise and persistence of the radical threat must be viewed through a fusion of psychology, sociology, and organization development and human behavior theory. Breaking Al-Qaeda Psychological and Operational Techniques, Second Edition serves to educate those on the front line, as well as strategic planners and thinkers on the subject. Focusing on the background and history of Al-Qaeda, developments in recent years, and how and where Al Qaeda is spreading, it examines the current state of the terrorist network and what the organization and individual cells are doing to recruit, plan, and carry out attacks against the West. The book also investigates intelligence and counterterror methods to garner information on Al Qaeda and steps that are being taken to counter the continuing threat.The author explores recent developments related to the Arab spring, and addresses how the Al-Qaeda network continues to expand especially in Egypt, Yemen, Somalia, Mali, and Syria. Illustrating the shifting message and ideology of Al-Qaeda since the death of Osama bin Laden, the text describes how regional and international governments can utilize intelligence and apply counterterror measures to break relationships between groups"--

Elena Mastors, Ph.D., is the vice president and dean of Applied Research at the American Public University System (APUS). She is the former vice president and dean of the School of Security and Global Studies and program director of the Graduate Intelligence Studies and National Security programs.

Previous to her work with APUS, she was an associate professor in the National Decision Making Department of the Naval War College, and also held various senior intelligence and policy positions in the Office of Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Dr. Mastors is an expert on political psychology as it pertains to conflict, terrorism, and political leadership. She writes frequently on understanding leaders and group dynamics from a political–psychological perspective. She is also a frequent lecturer on the important role of individuals and group dynamics in armed groups.

Dr. Mastors is on the Board of Directors at the Institute for the Study of Intercommunal Conflict at Washington State University. Her professional affiliations include the International Association for Intelligence Education (IAFIE), the International Studies Association (ISA), the International Society for Political Psychology (ISPP), and Women in Security (WIS).

Dr. Mastors has published on the subjects of conflict and armed groups. Her coauthored books include Introduction to Political Psychology (Psychology Press, 2010) and The Lesser Jihad: Recruits and the Al-Qaida Network (Rowman & Littlefield, 2007).