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Lecturer(s)
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Cahová Ivana, Mgr. PhD.
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Reichard Ariel, Ph.D.
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Course content
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The course moves chronologically and comparatively, asking why some policies were effective in one phase yet failed in another. Through readings, case studies, and discussions of real-world policy dilemmas we will analyze spectacular successes as well as stunning failures. Ultimately, we will ask what works against terrorism (and what doesn't) and how to balance operational and strategic effectiveness with democratic accountability and liberal values. Designed for students looking to gain knowledge about evolving threats, the course offers a current and nuanced examination of one of today's most consequential security challenges. The course will be taught in a total of five two-day blocks. The teaching dates are as follows: 12 March, 13:15-16:30 (4 hours) 13 March, 10:30-12:00 (2 hours) 26 March, 13:15-15:45 (3 hours) 27 March, 10:30-12:00 (2 hours) 9 April, 13:15-15:45 (3 hours) 10 April, 10:30-12:00 (2 hours) 16 April, 13:15-15:45 (3 hours) 17 April, 10:30-12:00 (2 hours) 23 April, 13:15-15:45 (3 hours) 24 April, 10:30-12:00 (2 hours)
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Projection (static, dynamic)
- Attendace
- 26 hours per semester
- Homework for Teaching
- 4 hours per semester
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Learning outcomes
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This course examines Israel's counterterrorism experience from independence to the post - October 7 era, tracing how a small state confronted diverse and highly adaptive state and non-state adversaries over seven decades. Students will analyze the evolution of Israel's terrorist threat and the different responses to it. The course highlights how Israeli counterterrorism developed under conditions of weakness and insecurity, political instability, trial and error, and intense judicial and media scrutiny, producing a counterterrorism model that is considered both innovative, successful, and controversial. Beyond tactics, we examine the tensions and competing worldviews that continue to shape counterterrorism decision-making. Israel's experience serves as a laboratory for answering some of the key questions regarding terrorism - can terrorists be deterred? Can democracies maintain their values and still fight effectively? What are the effects of prolonged surveillance and legal emergency on civilian life - issues that are now central to European security debates as well. attention is also paid to how Israeli doctrines, technologies, and legal arguments have traveled abroad, influencing NATO practice, EU counter-radicalization strategies, border security regimes, and urban policing.
Graduates of the course will gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of Israel's counterterrorism strategy from 1948 to the post-October 7 period, including its responses to both state and non-state actors. They will be able to critically assess the effectiveness and limitations of different counterterrorism policies across changing political, legal, and security contexts. Students will develop the capacity to analyze key dilemmas facing democratic states, particularly the balance between security, civil liberties, and democratic accountability. They will also acquire comparative insights into how Israeli doctrines and practices have influenced broader international counterterrorism frameworks, including European and NATO policies. Finally, graduates will be equipped to evaluate what worksand what does notin counterterrorism, based on historical evidence, case studies, and strategic analysis.
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Prerequisites
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No previous knowledge is required, though some familiarity with Israeli history or terrorism in general will be useful. The seminar is primary open to students of the Center for Jewish studies and to students of the Department of Politics and European Studies. Students from other UPOL study programs are welcome too.
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Student performance, Dialog, Seminar Work
1. Attendance and active participation in the discussions during the seminar. Max. excused absence 20%. 2. Home preparation in the form of viewing predetermined materials (e.g., movies, slides) and reading assigned literature (Moodle). 3. Final paper
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Recommended literature
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+ V závislosti na tématu semináře/Depending on the topic of seminar.
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Ahron Bregman. Israel's Wars: A History Since 1947. .
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Charles D. Freilich. Zion's Dilemma: How Israel Makes National Security Policy. 2012.
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