Tammy Palacios - Mentioned Individual
Tammy Palacios, a seasoned expert in sustainable counterterrorism and counter-violent extremism, currently serves as the Senior Analyst and Manager of the Priority Sustainable Counterterrorism portfolio at the New Lines Institute. Her extensive background in terrorism and security studies, combined with her experience in managing initiatives, makes her a valuable asset in the fight against terrorism.
Palacios's expertise lies in her deep understanding of the operational differences and civilian engagement strategies of militant groups, particularly those operating in the Sahel region of Africa, such as JNIM and ISGS. Her research highlights JNIM's deliberate civilian engagement strategy and relative restraint in killing civilians compared to ISGS, known for its brutal tactics, including indiscriminate attacks on minorities and civilians suspected of collaborating with rivals or state forces.
Palacios's academic journey began at the University of Hartford, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Politics & Government. She furthered her education at the University of Maryland, where she obtained a certificate in Terrorism Analysis from the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) and a Master's degree in Security and Terrorism Studies. Her education also includes studies in international relations and politics, making her education multidisciplinary and comprehensive.
Before joining the New Lines Institute, Palacios served as Project Lead for the MENA Research Team at the Think Tanks and Civil Society Program. Here, she managed two international teams collecting data on think tanks and civil society organizations in the MENA region. She also previously served as Program Head for the Nonstate Actors program at New Lines.
Palacios has worked extensively on Syria and ISIS portfolios at the Institute for the Study of War, focusing on Salafi-Jihadist militant groups operating in Syria. At the Modern War Institute at West Point, she is a Fellow, further expanding her influence in the field.
Palacios is a firm advocate for sustainable counterterrorism and counter-violent extremism strategies. Her approach is cross-sectoral and multi-faceted, considering individuals, groups, and regions to create more effective and lasting countermeasures to terrorism and violent extremism.
In her current role at the New Lines Institute, Palacios leads the Priority Sustainable Counterterrorism initiative, using her extensive knowledge and experience to make a significant impact in the fight against terrorism.
Security is a key focus for Tammy Palacios, as she utilizes her in-depth understanding of militant group strategies, particularly those in the Sahel region, in her role as Senior Analyst and Manager of the Priority Sustainable Counterterrorism portfolio at the New Lines Institute. Simultaneously, she advocates for education and self-development as essential components in the battle against terrorism and violent extremism. To further bolster her endeavors, Palacios fosters her expertise through online education, such as her Master's degree in Security and Terrorism Studies from the University of Maryland. Her multi-disciplinary education equips her with the tools needed for effective counterterrorism strategies by considering individual, group, and regional elements.