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David Schanzer

Associate professor of the practice of public policy; director of the Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security

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His expertise is on counterterrorism strategy, counterterrorism law and homeland security. Schanzer was the Democratic staff director for the House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security from 2003-005. He previously served as the legislative director for Sen. Jean Carnahan (2001-2002), and counsel to Sens. Joe Biden (1996-98), and William Cohen (1994-96).

Recent Headlines

How a Trump presidency would affect our long-term future

A Trump presidency could make terrorism more likely, for example, because of his impetuous, reactionary personality. "Terrorism is by definition a form of psychological warfare," says David Schanzer, director of the Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security. "… That's what I would worry about from a Trump presidency, that he would essentially be an easy mark for psychological manipulation."

David Schanzer in Fast Company

Donald Trump’s ‘dangerously misguided’ policies

In an interview with The Chronicle following the second presidential debate, terrorism expert David Schanzer says he fears Trump “would get us deeply involved in a ground war against ISIS in Syria, which would be even worse than the situation in Iraq. … I'm also concerned, both internationally and domestically, by how he has insulted Islam, and how that would affect the ability of the United States to work with Muslim-majority countries and also traumatize Muslim-Americans.”

David Schanzer in The Chronicle

15 years after 9/11, U.S. stuck in the forever war

“We are stuck because, on the one hand, our enemy cannot be totally defeated and, on the other, we cannot withdraw from this conflict without exposing our country and the world to more violence and instability,” writes national security expert David Schanzer.

The News & Observer

Why France? Why now?

A truck driven into the crowds at a festival in Nice, France, killed more than 80 people Thursday and is suspected to be the third major terrorist attack in France in 19 months. In this Q&A with Duke Today, Duke professor David Schanzer, director of the Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security, says while terrorism is a global threat, there are reasons why France is particularly at risk.

Duke Today

Turmoil and grief in wake of violence

Homeland security expert David Schanzer talks about last week’s shooting and ongoing tensions over racial bias, saying the vast majority of Americans share enough similar beliefs that will ultimately bring back calm.

the podcast “On Security”

Are Islamist ‘lone wolves’ a U.S. phenomenon?

“They are not getting instructions, they don't have connectivity with terrorist groups, but they are inspired by them and they decide to engage in violent action on their own,” says security expert David Schanzer in an interview with a German publication.

Deutsche Welle

How police and Muslims can get along

If police want to win the trust of Muslim-Americans in battling Islamic radicalism, they are going to have to show that Muslims are not being singled out as potential terrorists, a new Duke-UNC study finds.

National Journal

Barring Syrian refugees from NC gives ISIS what it seeks

Professors David Schanzer and Robin Kirk write that “instead of reacting out of fear, our thinking about the Syrian refugee crisis should begin with understanding that ISIS’s core goal is to convince Muslims around the world that they are not welcome in the West.”

the News & Observer

What should be done regarding ISIS

In a radio interview, terrorism expert David Schanzer discusses how ISIS is moving beyond its traditional boundaries to carry out attacks. Interview starts at the 3-minute mark. Also, see this commentary from Bruce Jentleson. At the 25-minute mark of this show.

U.S. ground troops won’t fix ISIS problem

“We should remember that ISIS desperately wants to satisfy its blood lust fighting against Americans on its home turf,” says David Schanzer, director of the Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security and associate professor of the practice in the Sanford School of Public Policy.

ISLAMiCommentary

Why Not Joe?

Associate professor David Schanzer examines a Joe Biden presidential run

Huffington Post

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