The threat posed by international terrorism remains as great as ever, according to experts at a four-day seminar marking the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States.

The London Jewish Cultural Centre's 2020 Vision event featured sessions on the government's Prevent counter-terror strategy, Al-Qaeda and the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Trudy Gold, LJCC chief executive, said the programme was aimed at making British Jews think more about the world around them.

Panellists discussing the inevitability of terror at a session on Monday painted a worrying picture for the future.

Author and historian Christopher Andrew warned that the 21st century would witness new tyrants, but said they would be "pushed to the edges in transnational groups and rogue states" rather than being heads of major states – such as Hitler was in Germany.

Prof Andrew, official historian of MI5, said: "The idea that weapons of mass destruction will be the first invention in human history not to proliferate is crazy.

"All terrorists are conspiracy theorists and what is their main conspiracy? The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. When we educate these people, their views decline."

The Community Security Trust's Michael Whine said: "The world situation provides a model for continued terrorism. Weak states will continue to provide safe havens for terrorists."

Ms Gold said last week's rioting - which affected areas including Camden Town and Brent Cross - was an example of how members of the Jewish community could be caught unaware by events around them.

She said: "The community focuses on Israel, but if you choose to live in north west London and be part of the Jewish community, you are taking a decision. Many in that community have no real connection with those outside it.

"The riots will make people more scared. Where does multiculturalism stand after this?"