Countering terrorism in the KSA: the PRAC strategy
Type
Thesis
Authors
Category
Publication Year
2016
Publisher
ProQuest LLC, United Kingdom
Pages
273p
Subject
Islamic, Terrorism, Strategy, Disengagement
Tags
Abstract
Countries across the globe have faced numerous challenges arising from Al-Qaida affiliated
terrorist groups. One such challenge is in how to address the threats posed by the growing
number of terrorists in their custody. Accordingly, a handful of countries have responded by
developing prison based “deradicalization” and disengagement programs. One program that has
gained considerable media attention is the Saudi Ministry of Interior’s Prevention, Rehabilitation
and After-Care (PRAC) strategy.
The present study explored PRAC on site and in-depth using a mixed method sequential
explanatory design – follow-up explanations model. Stage one utilized an interrupted time series
design to empirically examine if a relationship exists between the introduction of the PRAC
strategy and a decrease in terrorist related activities within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Here,
monthly counts of terrorist related operations were collected three years prior to the PRAC
strategy’s introduction and three years afterwards. Stage two adopted a single case study design
using semi-structured interviews with MOI policy-makers and PRAC strategy officials to gain
insight into strategy objectives, components, and implementation. Moreover, the subsequent
qualitative analysis helped explain the quantitative data through coding and theme development.
The results of the quantitative analysis revealed a statistically significant decrease in both
terrorism and Saudi security casualties after PRAC implementation. Furthermore, the qualitative
interviews and ensuing analysis provided a much deeper insight into the PRAC strategy, how it
reduced terrorism, and why the strategy worked based on several emergent themes. Policy
recommendations and directions for future research are also discussed. With these results, this
study hopes to add to the existing, yet limited, knowledge the field has in respect to these types
of programs, and comes at a time when the threats from AQ affiliated terrorist groups appear to
be on the rise.
terrorist groups. One such challenge is in how to address the threats posed by the growing
number of terrorists in their custody. Accordingly, a handful of countries have responded by
developing prison based “deradicalization” and disengagement programs. One program that has
gained considerable media attention is the Saudi Ministry of Interior’s Prevention, Rehabilitation
and After-Care (PRAC) strategy.
The present study explored PRAC on site and in-depth using a mixed method sequential
explanatory design – follow-up explanations model. Stage one utilized an interrupted time series
design to empirically examine if a relationship exists between the introduction of the PRAC
strategy and a decrease in terrorist related activities within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Here,
monthly counts of terrorist related operations were collected three years prior to the PRAC
strategy’s introduction and three years afterwards. Stage two adopted a single case study design
using semi-structured interviews with MOI policy-makers and PRAC strategy officials to gain
insight into strategy objectives, components, and implementation. Moreover, the subsequent
qualitative analysis helped explain the quantitative data through coding and theme development.
The results of the quantitative analysis revealed a statistically significant decrease in both
terrorism and Saudi security casualties after PRAC implementation. Furthermore, the qualitative
interviews and ensuing analysis provided a much deeper insight into the PRAC strategy, how it
reduced terrorism, and why the strategy worked based on several emergent themes. Policy
recommendations and directions for future research are also discussed. With these results, this
study hopes to add to the existing, yet limited, knowledge the field has in respect to these types
of programs, and comes at a time when the threats from AQ affiliated terrorist groups appear to
be on the rise.
Description
273 p.; illus.; 28 cm
Number of Copies
1