NATO’s counter-terrorism efforts have been at the forefront of three consecutive NATO Summits, including the
recent 2019 Leaders’ Meeting in London, with the clear political imperative for the Alliance to address a persistent
global threat that knows no border, nationality or religion.

NATO’s determination and solidarity in fighting the evolving challenge posed by terrorism has constantly increased
since the Alliance invoked its collective defence clause for the first time in response to the terrorist attacks of
11 September 2001 on the United States of America.

NATO has gained much experience in countering terrorism from its missions and operations. However, NATO
cannot defeat terrorism on its own. Fortunately, we do not stand alone. One of the strengths the Alliance can build
on is our engagement with the global network of partner countries and other International Organizations who
bring in a wealth of experience and knowledge. Many of these have contributed to the development of this reference curriculum, together with the Partnership for Peace Consortium of Defence Academies and Security Studies
Institutes.

Understanding the terrorist threat of today and tomorrow requires not only improved awareness but constant
learning and investment in the education of future generations. We sincerely hope that this curriculum will serve
the wider counter-terrorism community as an insightful reference document and that it can contribute to national
educational processes of both interested Allies and partners, including through NATO’s Defence Education
Enhancement Programme (DEEP).