Imagine a solution or two

In today's global climate, knowledge is power. Terrorism has emerged as one of the most alarming threats to global, national and personal security.

Understanding the complexities of this phenomenon is crucial in combatting its disruptive effects and protecting the security and safety of citizens throughout the world.

A local nonprofit organization, Searching for Solutions Institute, is tackling this complex issue on Nov. 14, in one of a series of Imagine Solutions seminars, featuring renowned political scientist and expert on terrorism, Robert Pape. In his presentation entitled "Terrorism: The No. 1 Threat to Our National Security," Pape will share insights from his extensive research on the motivations and strategies behind terrorist activities with local residents.

Pape is a professor of political science at the University of Chicago and the founder and director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats, an international security affairs research institute. He has served as an advisor to politicians and has written many academic s and books, including "Bombing to Win: Air Power and Coercion in War," "Dying to Win: The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism" and "Cutting the Fuse: The Explosion of Global Suicide Terrorism and How to Stop It."

Fear and intimidation can take many forms and infiltrate all levels of society. When considering the broad range of motivations and tactics behind acts of terrorism, it's easy to overlook the nuances and complexities that extend far beyond the high-profile attacks and extremist groups that make news headlines.

Pape categorizes terrorism into four distinct types: criminal, political, psychic and war. According to Pape, each form has its unique implications and threats, requiring a nuanced understanding to combat effectively. Additionally, the insidious rise of cyber-terrorism, school and political violence in communities across the country illustrates a need for informed dialogue and strategic planning to effectively prevent more tragedies like the recent mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga. and the violent political protests and assassination attempts that have marked recent presidential elections.

"Unfortunately, violent populism is likely to grow more pronounced in the years ahead. Throughout history, societies in which large numbers of people support political violence are much more likely to experience unrest. There is no way to stop the United States' demographic shift, and even if there were, doing so would be a mistake: the country's diversity makes it stronger. The United States may not be on the precipice of a full-scale civil war, as some have predicted. But the country is entering an era of intense, deadly conflict — one replete with politically motivated riots, attacks against minorities and even assassinations," Pape said in his recent , "Our Own Worst Enemies: The Violent Style in American Politics," published in "Foreign Affairs."

At the seminar on Nov. 14, Pape will discuss topics ranging from the evolution of terrorist tactics, the impact of new technologies and media on spreading fear and misinformation and the crucial role citizens can play in understanding and addressing the root causes of terrorism.

Randy Antik, the co-founder and CEO of Searching for Solutions Institute, is a firm believer that lifelong curiosity is at the heart of a meaningful life. The institute hosts an annual Imagine Solutions conference and a series of Imagine Solutions seminars, including the discussion about terrorism with Pape.

Throughout his career, Antik spent years feeding his intellectual curiosities by attending many major thought-lead- er conferences throughout the country, including events sponsored by TED, the Aspen Institute and the Milken Institute. When he moved to Naples, he realized there was an opportunity to bring leading-edge speakers and thinkers to local audiences.

"I moved here to retire. The idea was there's nothing of that merit on the East Coast. Could we do something like that? If we could, could it influence people that want to learn, that could make a difference?" Antik said. "Imagine Solutions is a public foundation. We started with an annual conference called the Imagine Solutions Conference. I think our initial purpose is to bring big ideas on meaningful topics with people that can bring them alive in such a way that it's an educational thing to people who are curious."

In 2008, Searching for Solutions Institute unveiled the first Imagine Solutions Conference, which brought innovative leaders from all over the world to share insight, real conversations and foster space for citizens to understand and contribute to solving some of the world's most important challenges.

The 2025 Imagine Solutions Conference, "One Day of Big Ideas," will be held on March 10, 2025, and will unite inspirational leaders from around the world for a day of learning and discussion, including topics ranging from developments in science and technology to social innovations and conservation.

"Now 15 years in the making, we have 625 people coming to it (the Imagine Solutions Conference) each year, and it's making a difference. Each talk is 20 minutes, so you can only go so far," Antik explained. "Then we said there are key subjects that you want to do a deeper dive on, so I created Imagination Solutions Seminars, which are all meant to be on an important topic with an outstanding expert from a very reputable organization that is over 45 or 50 minutes that could give you much more depth information on that subject. I partnered with Rand Corporation, with 'The Economist,' with 'National Geographic.' I picked great partners".

Terrorism emerged as an ideal topic for a longer discussion in seminar format when Antik was planning upcoming seminars. "We chose this subject six months ago, so we could not have predicted it would hit this kind of avalanche of interest and concern, etcetera," Antik said.

Pape and Antik agree that citizens can help undermine the narratives that fuel radicalization and unrest and help make communities less vulnerable to extremist ideologies and terrorism in all its forms.

Southwest Floridians can contribute to a more peaceful society through community engagement and dialogue. "Terrorism: The No. 1 Threat to Our National Security," offers an opportunity to understand and face off against the evolving modern threats of terrorist activity locally and across the globe. ¦

In the KNOW

"Terrorism: The No. 1 Threat to Our National Security"

· When: Nov. 14, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

· Where: G&L Theater on the Campus of Community School of Naples

· Tickets: $70, available at Imaginesolutionsconference.com

· When: March 10, 2025, 8:30 to 5 p.m.

· Where: Arthrex One Conference Center, 1 Arthrex Way, Naples