Science and technology are usually seen as western strengths in fighting terrorism. Counterterrorism depends on science – but, at the same time, science generates terrorist risks and could compound the problems terrorism creates.

For a start, scientists, engineers and doctors have played a considerable role as terrorists since the mid-20th century. The high status of these professions may be partly responsible, as modern terrorists are drawn disproportionately from the better-educated sections of societies. But something about the certainties enshrined in many scientific disciplines may also chime with the inflexible philosophy of some terrorist groups. These are professions with ways of thinking that, for a very small minority of their members, seem to help point them towards terrorism.