Abstract for: Applying Existing System Dynamics Business Formulations to Model Terror Organizations

A growing body of literature has shown that terror groups in particular have similarities to organizations whose operation are recognizable to the author and the readers – the firm. If terror groups and businesses are similar it would have significant implications to counter-terrorism community. It would enable the application of a broad set of existing theory (regarding the firm) to inform counter-terror policy, and possibly elucidate structures previously hidden to the decision-making communities. This paper highlights and references the public policy literature to build a case for describing terror organizations as businesses. System dynamics and system thinking models of terror and insurgency organizations are reviewed. The author develops a Vensim model using well-known system dynamics business formulations. The author then simulates the model to demonstrate logical flow and test policy. Finally, this paper outlines further development goals and a long-term research agenda for further development of the developed model.