Home > Open Access Journals > JSS > Vol. 18 > No. 1 (2025)
Author Biography
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHIES
Shevach Berkovits holds a Doctorate in Homeland Security from St. John's University, an M.A. in Communications from the New York Institute of Technology, and a B.S. in Criminal Justice from St. John's University. His research focuses include risk assessment and management in policing, police reform, police training, and resilience. Additionally, Dr. Berkovits has conducted extensive research on community policing and the development of training programs that enhance the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. He is an active law enforcement officer with over 17 years of experience, bringing both academic insight and practical expertise to his work.
Michael Dobkowski earned his Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. from New York University. His scholarly interests focus on the American Jewish experience, Holocaust Studies, religion and violence, terrorism, and anti-Semitism. Since 1976, Dr. Dobkowski is a professor at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he serves as a Professor of Religious Studies with a specialization in Holocaust Studies and was bestowed with the endowed John Milton Potter Chair in the Humanities. He has also held visiting professor positions at the University of Rochester and Nazareth College and has been an instructor at The Melton School of Adult Jewish Education.
Darnell R. Downes has been a member of law enforcement with the New York City Police Department since 2006. Dr. Downes holds a B.S. in Psychology from Touro College, an M.A. in Human Resources and Training Development from Seton Hall University, and a doctorate in Homeland Security from St. John’s University. After serving in the NYPD Intelligence Bureau Mayor’s Security Detail, Dr. Downes was promoted to Sergeant in 2017, taking on various patrol assignments in Queens North. From 2018 to 2024, he worked in the Office of Management Analysis and Planning (OMAP), conducting research and analysis to support crime reduction strategies. Dr. Downes also supervises assignments within the Intelligence Bureau. Dr. Downes is currently assigned to the Counterterrorism Bureau, where he develops policies and intelligence capabilities to protect New York City from terrorist threats.
Hunter LaCroix earned his Doctorate from St. John’s University, MA from Johns Hopkins University, MPA from Norwich University and BA from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Dr. LaCroix currently teaches for St. John’s University and the University System of Maryland at the University of Maryland Global Campus. Previously, he taught at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School for International Affairs. Dr. LaCroix has taught a variety of subjects including cybercrime, counterterrorism, critical infrastructure protection, intelligence, counterintelligence, and Homeland Security Legal and Policy Issues. Dr. LaCroix has also worked for the U.S federal government in a variety of emergency response, IT, and public safety roles. Separate from that, he has served as a contractor for EMS and firefighter services for the Department of the Navy, and several athletic programs; as well as volunteered for several fire and EMS departments where he was an EMT, Firefighter, Rescue Technician, and HAZMAT specialist.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.18.1.2334
Subject Area Keywords
Counterintelligence, Counterterrorism, Democracy and democatization, Fundamentalism, Homeland security, Ideology, Israel, National security, Palestine, Radicalization, Terrorism / counterterrorism, Violent extremism
Abstract
This article examines the dangers of Western discourse misrepresenting and normalizing Hamas, a fundamentalist terrorist group, as a legitimate actor in regional crises and conflicts. It explores Hamas' origins as a global terrorist organization, its history of armed conflict with neighbors and the broader Western world, and its ideological roots in religious fundamentalism and totalitarianism. The article argues that Hamas’ principles and actions are fundamentally incompatible with Western democratic ideals, posing a significant threat to regional and global security. It also addresses the ongoing challenges of "Western washing" Hamas through propaganda spread via social activism and social media. The article emphasizes the need for robust strategies to counter the normalization of such groups, including strengthening counterterrorism and counter-intelligence measures, promoting educational and awareness campaigns, and supporting moderate voices in conflict regions. By addressing these risks, the article provides a comprehensive understanding of the implications of legitimizing groups like Hamas.
Recommended Citation
Berkovits, Shevach; Downes, Darnell; LaCroix, Hunter; and Dobkowski, Michael. "Dangerous Legitimacy: The Risks of Normalizing Hamas As a Fundamentalist Terror Group In Western Discourse." Journal of Strategic Security 18, no. 1 (2025)
: 36-60.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.18.1.2334
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/jss/vol18/iss1/3
