It is difficult and sometimes counter-productive to search for the center of gravity of a terrorist network or an insurgency. However, if one were to identify the likely center of gravity for any terrorist group, it would probably be funding. Whilst most terrorist movements can operate on a relatively modest budget, funding is still essential to support all activities, including recruitment and training, procurement, infrastructure, personnel expenses, operations, a political campaign, and social/community activities. Securing adequate funding is, therefore, a critical activity for any terrorist group.

Given the considerable efforts of authorities to interdict terrorist funding, a great deal more money is required than is actually needed to sustain a group or network. Losses can be as high as 80% of the total ?collected?. Therefore, by successfully interdicting terrorist finances, it is not only possible to reduce the capacity, activity, and effectiveness of a network, it is also possible to undermine the morale and commitment of some of its members. Indeed, such a campaign can force a terrorist group to spend more time and energy trying to sustain itself than it does conducting operations.