Overview
2025 was ushered in with a stark reminder of how real and complex terrorism is. The New Year’s morning terrorist attack in New Orleans was simplistic, yet catastrophic. When placed in context with the ever-evolving convergence of global geopolitics and terrorism, the New Orleans attack is symbolic of the complexity and diversity of the terrorist threat environment. What does that say about terrorism in 2025?
Beginning with the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 and through the fall of the Syrian government in December 2024, the nexus between geopolitics and terrorism has continued to get more intertwined. This has triggered an explosion of radical ideologies, rooted in both foreign and domestic extremist causes. The New Orleans attack represents a microcosm of the influence of online radicalization, recruitment and the call to action of individuals inspired by terrorist groups and movements.
There are many backstories with touchpoints to the aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israel, the fall of Syria and attacks such as the New Orleans terrorist attack. Regardless of how challenging and diverse the threat environment is, there is one commonality terrorist actors share, the need for financing. Whether the funding requirements are significant or minimal, without access to funds, terrorists cannot operate. Financing is also one of the biggest vulnerabilities to terrorists.
This compelling session will discuss the continuous evolution and devolution of terrorist groups; their nexus to geopolitics; the significance of the threat emanating from lone actors; the ease of online recruitment and radicalization; and how to counter the threat of terrorism, to include exploiting their vulnerability to financing.