Enabling the Modeling and Destabilization of Terror Networks using a Novel Rule-Based Boolean Pseudo-Dynamic Approach

The primary objective of this effort is to design and develop a platform enabling the analysis of terror networks using a novel systems-biology based Boolean Pseudo-Dynamics (BPD) framework. This platform will involve development of strategies to identify the critical individuals within the terror network using both static centrality based, and BPD based dynamic metrics that account for an individual’s contribution towards the robust and efficient operation of the terror network. In Phase I open-source terror networks will be identified and the network interactions will be described using logical Boolean rules that take into account metrics of strategy, task, trust, and monetary exchange. Successful completion of the Phase I effort will result in a platform comprising a suite of tools enabling the analysis of critical individuals responsible for functioning of the terror network based on novel systems biology-centered, and social network analysis approaches. In Phase II, the project scope will be expanded to include additional computational algorithms and a GUI, with the goal of demonstrating terror network destabilization strategies via node insertion and/or deletion. Validation of the proposed approach will also be undertaken for a larger network comprising of greater than 100 individuals.