"Theme 1 delves into the all-important question of how one defines terrorism and the various characteristics often used to describe it. It then explores terrorism’s past, reaching deep into human history to contextually situate present-day threats among their many precursors. Finally, those two elements dovetail in an explication of the varied types of terrorism, the varied longevity of terrorist groups and how those differences can help us understand both the larger phenomenon and particular groups and movements.

Theme 2 focuses primarily on ideological factors, first analyzing the radicalization processes that provide modern terrorist groups with members and sympathizers. After examining both violent extremist and transnational ideologies, it then explores personal and organizational motivations in pursuing terrorism, as well as the methods by which individuals and groups do so.

Theme 3 is grounded in the state of terrorism today, beginning with the financial methods groups use to fund attacks and maintain their organizations. It then projects a range of emerging threats, including the potential acquisition and use of weapons of mass destruction, the technological innovations exploited by terrorist groups to advance their goals, and the flow of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs).

Finally, though counter-terrorism elements are found throughout the curriculum, Theme 4 focuses specifically on what states can do to combat a constant and multivalent threat nexus. It assesses the tools available to states at the international, regional and national levels to best protect their citizens and institutions, designating the use of those tools to the relevant bodies and how they combine to form a cohesive national strategy"