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Within the generic study of terrorism as a subset in the field of security studies, this paper provides some insight of small world networks' structure and operation in the framework of the present state of knowledge of network science. It discusses the significance of understanding their nature and performance as an important source of power in international affairs, arguing that traditionally organized, rigidly hierarchical responses to terror security threads are not adequate to counter them in an efficient manner, in the context of a fast growing information age within a complex globalization process.
This paper aims to sharpen awareness of networks science power and influence in the information age, and how integrating culture and identity as central factors of their growing and evolving nature might provide some ideas to better build policy responses that highlight the exercise of soft power options. It also intends to provide some insights that might encourage policy-oriented ideas to promote the rising of a post-al-Qaeda world, that would liberate our societies (and our politicians) from their current fear, and prevent an overreaction in the event of a major terror attack like the one we witnessed in 2001.
