Capstone ’13: Terrorism Prosecutors’ Network

The UN Counter-Terrorism Committee monitors implementation of measures that are intended to help the world’s nations counter terrorist activities at home and abroad. Established in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, it comprises all 15 Security Council members.

The Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) was created in 2004 to support the parent committee. Today, a staff of about 40 provides research, analysis of member states’ reports to the committee, and other capacity-building elements.

In response to the increasingly transnational nature of terrorist attacks, the CTED is considering the development of a new international prosecutors’ network for terrorism cases. Such a network would enhance cooperation among members states’ and build their capacity to pursue cases.

In spring 2013, A SIPA Capstone team under the guidance of Professor Bruce Cronin was asked by the CTED to study the feasibility of a terrorism prosecutors’ network and provide recommendations for an effective model.

The team conducted numerous interviews with national prosecutors and other relevant professionals from regional and international organizations. Members analyzed existing global network models with an eye to better understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and implications of each model for the global prosecutors’ network.

After an extensive, semester-long effort, the team presented findings that confirmed the possibility of developing an effective global cooperation network while reaffirming the critical importance of capacity building to deal with transnational terrorism cases. A final report recommended a network model defined with four essential elements—function, structure, membership, funding— that could help to facilitate international cooperation, avoid institutional overlaps, develop capacity building, and safeguard human rights.

The clients were greatly satisfied with the research results and expressed enthusiasm to continue the project with follow-up research.

— Ye Ra Kim MIA ’13

Pictured above are Cheong Ju Kim MIA ’13, Ye Ra Kim MIA ’13, David Scharia (coordinator of CTED's legal and criminal justice group), Professor Bruce Cronin, Weixiong Chen (CTED's deputy executive director), Jonathan Murphy MIA ’13, Rebecca Fudala MIA ’13, and Min Hwan An MIA’13.