Center for Asymmetric Threat Studies (CATS)

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This center is focused on asymmetric threats in the Information Age.

The Center for Asymmetric Threat Studies (CATS) at the Swedish National Defence College (SNDC) is already engaged in Terrorism Studies with Dr. Magnus Ranstorp as the academic lead and in studies of Information Operations (IO) with Dr. Dan Kuehl, NDU, as an informal Visiting Professor.

CATS has strengthen its third pillar under the “asymmetric umbrella” with a project in intelligence studies with Dr. Greg Treverton, RAND, as the principal investigator in his capacity of Senior Fellow/Visiting Professor at CATS. Since 2003, CATS has been engaged in intelligence studies area through its Higher National Intelligence Course Program, under the auspices of the concerned departments within the Cabinet Offices. Professor Wilhelm Agrell – the first Swedish full professor in Intelligence Analysis - at Lund University is since 2007 also connected to CATS as a Senior Fellow/Visiting Professor.

The projects at CATS are mainly sponsored by The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), The Cabinet Offices and The Swedish Armed Forces.

Studies

CATS are carrying out studies within the areas below:

Research and studies concerning Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism policies/approaches.
Research and threat assessments on Counter-Radicalization.
Research and education within the area of Intelligence Studies.
Information Operations – studies, exercise planning and courses on the intermediate level within the joint military education programme on behalf of The Armed Forces.
Research and studies on Strategic Critical Information Infrastructure Protection (CIIP) concerning policies and approaches in different countries.
Research and studies on Perception Management/Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) as well as on relevant cultural factors.

Main Research Projects

CATS main effort is now concentrated on carrying out two research projects:

"Pathways for a Counter Terrorism Policy" on behalf of the The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB). The principal investigator is Dr. Magnus Ranstorp, and the project will continue until the end of 2009.

“New Intelligence Challenges for Societal Security” sponsored by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) within a three-year project 2008-10 with Dr. Greg Treverton as the principal investigator, and in close collaboration with Dr. Wilhelm Agrell at the Lund University.

Swedish Armed Forces PSYOPS Study
The project manager is Senior Analyst Fredrik Konnander and the project will continue throughout 2010.

CATS has a also close cooperation with St Andrews University in Scotland and its Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence (CSTPV), as well as with the Advanced Research and Assessment group at the UK Defence Academy in Shrivenham.