The Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism (INSCT) is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative research, teaching, and public service. Drawing upon the expertise of affiliated faculty, INSCT’s work addresses key national and international challenges pertaining to security, terrorism and counterterrorism, post-conflict reconstruction, and community resilience. INSCT’s faculty and research fellows strive to deliver cutting-edge scholarship and a first-class educational experience for students and professionals. Through structured guidance and support, INSCT faculty and staff help advance student-based research and analytical proficiency. INSCT also promotes innovative educational programs and student engagement in advanced coursework by way of its Certificates of Advanced Studies (CAS), currently offered in the fields of security, counterterrorism, and post-conflict reconstruction.
INSCT places a special emphasis on forming partnerships with national and international academic and non-academic institutes, as well as private individuals, in order to advance common research and project goals. Research and other projects are also often conducted on behalf of or in consultation with government agencies, municipalities, and other public entities which help facilitates a direct public service.
The Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism (INSCT) at Syracuse University was established at the College of Law in 2003 through the vision of Professor William C. Banks, with the support of Dean Hannah R. Arterian. Beginning in the 2004-2005 academic year, the Maxwell School of Citizenship Public Affairs, with the support of Dean Mitchell B. Wallerstein, joined the College of Law in sponsoring the Institute. The Maxwell School and the College of Law support a systematic, interdisciplinary approach in addressing important questions of law and policy related to national and international security and counterterrorism.
The director of the Institute, William C. Banks, is the Syracuse University College of Law Board of Advisors Distinguished Professor of Law, Professor of Public Administration at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and Laura J. and Douglas L. Meredith Professor for Teaching Excellence. Other faculty across a range of disciplines bring experience in military planning and operations, global counterterrorism and arms control policy, counterproliferation policy, diplomacy and international relations, terrorist methods and psychology, history, law, and economics.