“Modelling optimal networks: Countering the rational terrorist”

Abstract

This paper presents a novel approach in thinking about covert network structure, employing emerging thought on the rationality of terrorist actors. By using a specific function to model environmental constraints on terrorist groups, and by then searching for optimal solutions using a genetic algorithm, this paper moves to present derived findings that support empirical observations. It is found that themodelled results present in the paper are broadly consistent with what is seen in terror organisations around the world. Additionally, policy implications arising from such a novel understanding are laid out, and future applications of the modelling approach are suggested.