Visiting Scholar to Discuss Domestic Terrorism And Effective Tactics at PT Library

Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 December 2015 04:44

The Peters Township Public Library will present ‘Domestic Counter-Terrorism: Lessons Learned from the Afghan War’ with Dr. Jibey Asthappan on Monday, January 7, 2016 from 7-8 p.m. at the library.

Dr. Jibey Asthappan

Dr. Asthappan is an assistant professor and the Director of National Security at the University of New Haven. He was selected the 2015 J. Robert Maxwell Visiting Scholar, Washington and Jefferson College.

Events such as the San Bernardino and the Denver Planned Parenthood shootings bring to light the importance of addressing terrorist threats at home. Lessons learned from the Afghan War can help us address a terrorist threat within the United States.

In addition, choosing most effective tactics from anti-gang initiatives can also shed light on how to stem the increase in domestic terrorism events, especially those perpetrated by those in a counter-culture. Dr. Asthappan will identify best practices from both counter-insurgency and anti-gang techniques. Application of those strategies to communities in the U.S. will also be reviewed. A discussion will follow; the public is encouraged to seek how their specific community can benefit from these operations.

Dr. Asthappan began his career in 1999 as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician for the United States Air Force. After the 9/11 attacks, he was deployed with some of the first troops in Afghanistan serving as a bomb technician protecting Air Force planes and bases from (IEDs) Improvised Explosive Devices as well as chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons.

His expertise in the areas of program evaluation and policy analysis have allowed him to publish on the personal encounters and experiences of renowned experts in the field of criminal justice. Dr. Asthappan obtained his doctorate in justice, law, and society from American University. He currently teaches courses on topics ranging from criminology and counter-terrorism, network security and cryptography.