Singapore based ICPVTR is an Innovative Centre for Excellence in Counter Terrorism Research
 

Prof. Rohan Gunaratna with Dr. Douglas Stone at the ICPVTR International Conference on Terrorist Rehab and Comm Engagement

By Srimal Fernando  

Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) is a world class research school for Security studies and International Affairs in the Asia- Pacific region.  The outstanding research School is located on the main campus at the Nanyang Technological University of Singapore. The RSIS was formerly called the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS). The IDSS changed its name to S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in 2007. The International Studies School was named after Mr S. Rajaratnam, a Singaporean prominent leader who was the first Foreign Minister. S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) promotes programs focused primarily on peace and security issues, specific research projects, as well as numerous studies related to international affairs.

Today the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) with a broad mission is actively involved in research, knowledge and innovation and is made up of the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR),  the Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS), the Centre for Non –Traditional Security Studies (NTS), the Temasek Foundation Centre for Trade and Negotiations (TFCTN) and Centre for Multi-laterism and Studies (CMS).  

The Globally renowned think tank, the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR), has a worldwide reputation for counter- terrorism research and analysis. The International Centre  is one of the world's largest specialist centres  on the world's major events and hot-spot issues and on a wide range of Security and International issues. ICPVTR International Centre with a wealth of internationally-oriented programmes and several internationally distinguished research groups and units improves professional development of its partners and stakeholders through its capacity building programmes. The International Center (ICPVTR) is currently headed by Professor Rohan Gunaratna, a Senior Fellow both at Fletcher School for Law and Diplomacy and at Jebsen Centre for Counter Terrorism Studies.  Professor Gunaratna, with 25 years of academic, field and policy experience in counter terrorism is a Singapore-based international terrorism expert who has  authored and edited twelve  books that includes international bestseller “Inside Al Qaeda: Global Network of Terror”.

ICPVTR delivers an academic experience second to none in the areas of foreign, security, integration, regional, inter-regional and international cooperation and in defense policies at both national and international level for political transition, security and stability. The core objective of the International centre is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of international, state, and societal responses in managing the threat of terrorism and political violence and to conduct sustained research and analysis of terrorist, guerilla, militia and extremist political groups and their support bases. The centre also advises governments and informs societies affected by terrorism and political violence on how best to manage the current and evolving threats.

International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research  (ICPVTR) celebrated 10 years of academic excellence last year which was founded in 2002.The International Center offers quality instructions and training for officials and future leaders engaged in combating terrorism and other forms of political violence. The ICPVTR hosted ASEAN Counter Terrorism Executive Programme, a high-powered annual meeting on March 2012.

The International centre attracts experts, partners and scholars from countries such as United States, United Kingdom, France, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. The centre has strong establishment links with Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy Boston, Hudson Institute, United States Military Academy West Point and Simon Wiesenthal Centre Untied States, International Policy Institute for Counter Terrorism (ICT) of Israel, The Centre for Transnational Crime Prevention, University of Wollongong of Australia, School of Computer Engineering, NTU, Singapore and Accounting Research Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

 
The International centre’s online and print media includes catalogs, online articles, and a global Pathfinder database, Country Reports, Spot Reports, Publications and Commentaries. The monthly online    publication “Counter Terrorist Trends and Analysis”   (CTTA)   provide a deeper connection to the Centre’s activities. In addition the centre maintains and conducts educational and capacity-building programs in strategic counter-terrorism projects. International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research    (ICPVTR) is one of the most experienced think tank Center of excellence that represent significant expertise and best practices in the field of international combating terrorism and other forms of political violence worldwide.