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U4AOS2: TERRORISM - Coggle Diagram
U4AOS2: TERRORISM
WHAT IS TERRORISM?
The term terrorism is loaded as there are several definitions and multiple debates about what exactly terrorism means. For example, ‘one mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter’. Thus to label actors as terrorists is to take sides in a dispute.
‘The use of violence, especially against civilians, to try to force a state to accept a political objective’
Attacks, particularly those in the west, are motivated by symbolism and the desire to draw attention to a cause. This is more so the case than a terrorist attack in the west serving as any tactical military purpose.
IRAN AND HEZBOLLAH
Hezbollah wields significant power in Lebanon, where it operates as both a Shiite political party and militant group.
It opposes Israel and western powers operating in the middle east and it functions as a proxy of Iran, its largests benefactor.
The group has faced unprecedented scrutiny from the Lebanese public amid the country's political and economic crisis.
CAUSES OF TERRORISM
religion and ideology
In the past two decades particular interpretations of religious texts provide a sense of meaning to individuals and glorify acts of violence as logical actions.
Often this sense of meaning leads to nothing other than a general sense of support, other times it can lead to individuals being compelled to carry out acts of violence. For example, ISIS.
poverty
Socio economic factors also lead to terrorism in so much as it facilitates the ability for terrorist groups to recruit for their cause. This is particularly the case where there are populations of young men with few options.
separatist movements
Secessionism is when a state, territory or group decides to withdraw from a political union or state. Terrorism has often been used as a tool to achieve seccessionist aims.
The UN charter allows for groups of people to self determination however in reality states are unlikely to allow this to happen. (realism)
There has been little success in using terror activities to cause self determination however sustained political violence has led to ceasefire negotiations that have improved the position of secessionist groups.
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ISLAMIC STATE
The ideology of the islamic state is that of Salafist-jihadism. For them there is no distinction between religion and state. All decisions are based on a hardline interpretation of sharia/ islamic law which is brutally enforced.
Its short term goal was to consolidate the areas it had already controlled and capture more territory in Syria and iraq.
The islamics states medium term goal is to consolidate and expand its control of territory in Iraq and Syria and to eventually advance into neighbouring Sunni countries.
ISIS may have largely been defeated in syria and iraq however they are now moving into a new strategy of using terror tactics rather than using conventional warfare and holding territory.
ISLAMIC STATE CAUSES
globalisation
The rise of social media such as facebook and accessible cheap air travel has made it possible for the IS to recruit foreign fighters from all across the globe.
radicalisation
The radicalisation of a minority of young muslim men. Largely as a result of actors such as the IS being able to utilise social media to spread their message.
isolated youth
Young men who feel a sense of isolation from their local community and school can often find acceptance in radicalised groups.
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NON-STATE TERROR GROUPS
These are organisations not linked with a state or government, which use terrorism to achieve their aims. These groups tend to include right wing extremist groups and islamic terror groups.
ASYMMETRICAL WARFARE
Asymmetrical warfare involves conflict between opposing groups that possess unequal military resources and capacities. Because of this, the stronger opponent is exposed to unconventional tactics of the weaker opponent.
Terror groups and in particular, islamic terror groups who are actively fighting foreign occupation almost always utilise asymmetrical warfare.
Asymmetric warfare is incredibly effective. David Singer's correlates of war paper shows that in the past 200 years the instances where asymmetrical warfare has been successful is on the rise.
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ISLAMIC STATE BRUTALITY
The islamic states reputation for brutality is well founded. It has shown no compunction about immediately killing anyone who disagrees with it, who is of the wrong religious sect or who is perceived to be an opponent.