StoryMap Terrorism Risk Assessment

Project Introduction

The Core Assessment for GGH310 challenges you to act as an intelligence or geopolitical analyst preparing a StoryMap Terrorism Risk Assessment for a specific country. Your goal is to help an audience understand the causes, nature, geographic patterns, and potential future of terrorist activity within that country. You will develop your StoryMap Terrorism Risk Assessment in stages throughout the course. Early checkpoints focus on research, planning, and written analysis. The final submission will be an ArcGIS StoryMap that combines concise written analysis, interactive maps, images, and data into a professional intelligence or geopolitical assessment.

Your instructor will announce specific guidelines and procedures for country selection. You are responsible for confirming your selected country with your instructor before beginning your research.

Why StoryMaps Work for This Project

ArcGIS StoryMaps are especially well suited for this project because terrorism risk is connected to place, movement, borders, regional relationships, and spatial patterns. A StoryMap allows you to combine written analysis, interactive maps, images, data, and narrative explanation into a professional GIS-based assessment.

A strong StoryMap fully integrates the written analysis, geographic evidence, and visual elements required for the Core Assessment. It should not simply tell the history of terrorism in a country. It should use geographic evidence to explain where terrorist activity occurs, why it occurs there, how it affects the country and surrounding region, and what future risks or responses should be considered. Throughout the course, each checkpoint builds content that will eventually become one section of your final StoryMap.

Good analysts do not include everything they know. They identify what matters most.

Audience and Perspective

Identify your audience and perspective at the start of the project and use it as a guide throughout your StoryMap Terrorism Risk Assessment.

Required Statement:

I am writing as a [perspective] for [audience].

Examples:

I am writing as an intelligence analyst for national security decision-makers.
I am writing as a geopolitical analyst for an international security organization.
I am writing as a policy analyst for government officials evaluating terrorism risk.

Project Checkpoints and Point Values

The StoryMap Terrorism Risk Assessment is completed in stages. Each checkpoint helps you build toward the final StoryMap submission.

Unit 1: Select and receive approval for your country.
Unit 2: Develop the country introduction, security context, initial threat classification, and thesis.
Unit 4: Create a detailed StoryMap outline, plan maps and visuals, and submit the outline to the Tutoring Center for feedback.
Unit 5: Use your outline and tutor feedback to build a substantial rough draft of the StoryMap and reflect on your revision process.
Unit 7: Publish and submit your completed StoryMap.

Core Assessment Requirements

Your final ArcGIS StoryMap should include the following sections.

Opening Section

Begin your StoryMap with the title Terrorism in [Country Name]: A Geographic Analysis of Contemporary Terrorist Activity. Include a country locator map or cover image, identify your intended audience and professional perspective, and introduce the purpose of your assessment. End this section with the thesis statement you developed in Unit 2, which should clearly state your overall assessment of terrorism in the selected country.

Threat Classification

Explain how terrorism in your selected country is best understood using the course classification systems. Discuss the motivation-based, method-based, actor-based, and scope-based classifications that are most relevant, and explain why they provide the strongest framework for understanding the country’s terrorism threat.

Section 1: Local Scale Investigation (CLO 1: Application)

Create an interactive map that identifies at least four recent terrorist incidents within your selected country. For each incident, include:

Location
Date
Terrorist group involved
Type of attack
Casualties or significant damage
Why the location was strategically important or vulnerable

Use StoryMap features such as interactive maps, map pins, pop-up descriptions, photographs, news images, or a sidecar map tour to help readers understand geographic patterns and emerging terrorism hotspots.

Section 2: National Scale Analysis (CLO 2: Analysis)

Analyze at least four characteristics of the country’s contemporary operational environment that contribute to terrorism risk. Consider factors such as:

Physical geography
Political conditions
Economic conditions
Social or cultural conditions

Explain how these factors contribute to terrorism in your selected country, and compare them with characteristics commonly found in terrorism hotspots worldwide.

Support your analysis with appropriate maps, data visualizations, infographics, or comparative geographic displays.

Section 3: International Scale Evaluation (CLO 4: Evaluation)

Evaluate how terrorism within your selected country affects both neighboring regions and the broader international community. Consider issues such as:

Refugee movements
Cross-border attacks
Economic disruption
Regional security cooperation
International intervention
Global media attention
International counterterrorism efforts

Evaluate whether terrorist organizations have achieved their stated objectives, how governments and the international community have responded, and what unintended consequences have resulted. Support your conclusions with evidence, regional maps, timelines, charts, or other visualizations where appropriate.

Section 4: Case Study Lessons and Recommendations (CLO 3: Synthesis)

Conclude your StoryMap by synthesizing what your case study reveals about the geographic causes of terrorism. Identify the major factors driving terrorism in the country and develop evidence-based recommendations to reduce future terrorism risk.

Recommendations may address:

Intelligence and security measures
Border or law enforcement improvements
Economic development
Community engagement and education
Political reform or governance
International cooperation

Finish by explaining what your case demonstrates about understanding terrorism through a geographic perspective.

References

End your StoryMap with a section titled References containing a complete APA 7th edition reference list.

Your StoryMap should:

Include at least eight scholarly or credible sources.
Include appropriate APA in-text citations throughout each section of the StoryMap.
Draw primarily from authoritative sources such as scholarly journals, government publications, United Nations reports, U.S. Department of State reports, RAND Corporation publications, the Global Terrorism Database, and the International Crisis Group.

Creating an Effective StoryMap

A StoryMap is more than a collection of maps, images, or presentation slides. It tells a coherent story by integrating narrative, geographic evidence, and visual elements into a logical sequence. Every map, chart, photograph, and graphic should help readers better understand the terrorism risks you are analyzing and support your conclusions.

As you develop your StoryMap Terrorism Risk Assessment, use the following characteristics to guide your work.

Organize information into a clear, logical narrative that readers can easily follow.
Use maps, images, charts, and other visuals to strengthen your analysis rather than decorate the page.
Balance concise writing with meaningful geographic evidence and credible research.
Guide readers from local incidents to national conditions and international implications.
Connect each section back to your thesis and build toward evidence-based conclusions and recommendations.
Use StoryMap features purposefully so they enhance understanding instead of distracting from the analysis.

Remember: Every element in your StoryMap should have a purpose. If a map, image, chart, or graphic does not help explain a geographic pattern, support your evidence, or strengthen your recommendations, consider leaving it out.

StoryMap Directions

Complete the project as a StoryMap using ArcGIS StoryMaps to create a professional intelligence or geopolitical assessment of your selected country. Your StoryMap should combine concise written analysis with maps, images, data, and source-based evidence.

Select and receive approval for your country.
Research the country’s geographic location, political context, recent security concerns, and terrorist activity.
Create or include maps that help explain terrorism risk, such as recent terrorist incidents, regional borders, conflict zones, or areas affected by instability.
Use images, charts, or other visuals only when they support the analysis.
Organize the StoryMap around the required Core Assessment sections listed above.
Include APA in-text citations throughout and a References section at the end.
Publish the StoryMap and submit the public URL in Canvas.

Important: Visuals should support your analysis, not replace it. Each map, image, or data display should help explain a terrorism risk, geographic pattern, regional impact, or recommendation.

Publishing and Privacy

To submit your StoryMap, access ArcGIS StoryMaps and create an account. Once your StoryMap is complete, click Publish, change the sharing setting to Everyone (Public), and publish the story. After publishing, use the link icon to copy the StoryMap URL, then paste it into Canvas.

If you are uncomfortable with your name appearing on a public StoryMap, you do not need to include it in the StoryMap itself. After the project has been graded, you may return to ArcGIS StoryMaps and change the sharing setting to Private. Contact your instructor if you have concerns about public sharing.

Unit Roadmaps

Each unit will help you build knowledge and skills that support your final Core Assessment.

Unit 1: Select Your Country for Approval

Project Checkpoint: Submit your chosen country for instructor approval. This assignment is graded as complete/incomplete and is worth 0 points.

Early submission is suggested because countries may not be repeated across students during a live term.

Unit 2: Country Introduction

Project Checkpoint: Develop the country introduction. This assignment is worth 40 points.

Introduce the country, explain relevant background, identify recent security concerns, and develop a clear thesis statement.

Unit 3: Geographic Hotspot Mapping

Identify at least 4 recent terrorist activities within your selected country and begin mapping where they occurred.

Unit 4: StoryMap Outline and Tutoring Center Review

Project Checkpoint: Submit a detailed outline that organizes the major sections of your StoryMap Terrorism Risk Assessment. This assignment is worth 45 points.

Use headings, subheadings, planning notes, proposed maps and visuals, and a working APA reference list to create the blueprint for your final project. After completing the outline, submit it to the Tutoring Center for feedback on organization, clarity, evidence, and overall structure. Upload the completed outline and tutoring appointment verification in Canvas.

Unit 5: StoryMap Development and Reflection

Project Checkpoint: Use your Unit 4 outline and Tutoring Center feedback to begin constructing a substantial rough draft of your StoryMap Terrorism Risk Assessment. This assignment is worth 15 points.

Your rough draft should demonstrate meaningful progress across the major project sections and include developing written analysis, research evidence, maps, visuals, working APA citations, and references.

Submit your in-progress StoryMap and a 1–2 paragraph reflection explaining which tutor recommendations you incorporated, how the project changed as you moved from outline to draft, and what work remains before the final submission in Unit 7.

Unit 6: Threat Forecast and Recommendations

Revise your draft by strengthening analysis, improving organization, addressing missing evidence, and refining APA formatting. Use this unit to develop your threat forecast and recommendations.

Unit 7: Revision and Final Submission

Final Submission: Submit your completed StoryMap Terrorism Risk Assessment. This assignment is worth 80 points.

Your final submission should include all required sections, at least 8 sources, appropriate APA citations, and clear evidence-based geographic analysis.

AI Use Expectations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or Claude may be used to support parts of your research process, but they may not replace your original analysis, reasoning, or written work.

You are responsible for the accuracy, quality, and originality of all submitted work, including any content developed with AI assistance.

Appropriate AI Use

Brainstorming research questions or search terms
Clarifying terminology related to terrorism or geographic analysis
Organizing notes or outlining sections of your StoryMap Terrorism Risk Assessment
Improving grammar, sentence clarity, or writing flow

Inappropriate AI Use

Writing substantial portions of your StoryMap for submission
Generating analysis, conclusions, or recommendations that you present as your own
Replacing required research from credible sources
Fabricating citations, evidence, statistics, maps, or references

All facts, claims, citations, maps, and interpretations must be verified using credible course or academic sources.

Disclosure and Citation

If you use AI beyond simple grammar or proofreading support, include an AI Use Statement at the end of your StoryMap Terrorism Risk Assessment or in your Canvas submission comments.

I used ChatGPT to help brainstorm search terms related to terrorism in Nigeria and organize an outline for my StoryMap Terrorism Risk Assessment. All research, analysis, interpretations, and final writing are my own.

If AI contributed meaningful content that influenced your work, cite it using APA 7 format.

Rule of thumb: Use AI to support your thinking, not to do the thinking for you.

Supporting Materials

Grading Criteria

See each assignment rubric for detailed expectations. Across the project, your work should demonstrate:

Approved country selection and clear project focus
Clear thesis statement
Threat classification grounded in course concepts
Local scale investigation of at least 4 recent terrorist activities
National scale analysis of at least 4 contributing conditions
International scale evaluation of regional and global impacts
Threat forecast and evidence-based recommendations
Purposeful maps and visuals that support geographic analysis
At least 8 credible sources with APA documentation
Evidence of revision based on instructor and writing tutor feedback

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complete the project as a traditional written brief instead of a StoryMap?

No, the final project will be completed as an ArcGIS StoryMap. Your StoryMap must include the required analysis, maps, sources, and APA references.

Do I need to include a map?

Yes, your StoryMap should include a map that identifies, at minimum, the location of each terrorist activity discussed in the local scale investigation.

Do I need to make my StoryMap public?

To submit your StoryMap link, you may need to publish it using the Everyone (Public) setting. You do not need to include your name in the StoryMap if you are concerned about privacy. After grading, you may return to ArcGIS StoryMaps and change the sharing setting to Private. Contact your instructor if you have concerns about public sharing.

What do I need to submit for the Unit 5 StoryMap checkpoint?

Submit your in-progress StoryMap Terrorism Risk Assessment and a 1–2 paragraph reflection. In the reflection, explain which tutor recommendations you incorporated, how your StoryMap changed as you moved from outline to rough draft, and what work remains before the final submission in Unit 7.

What if I miss a deadline?

Review the course policies and contact your instructor as soon as possible if you have concerns about a deadline.