POLI104 additional reading - Stocker 2024 - VNSAs

Flashcards on the legitimacy of violent non-state actors and the importance of addressing local grievances.

Legitimacy of Violent Non-State Actors

Populations will support, sympathize with, or tolerate insurgency when they lack credible authorities.

A drawback of the US Approach to Violent Non-State Actors

Focusing on tactics and extreme personalities rather than the reasons for local support can make foreign assistance ineffective or counterproductive.

Mitigating Destabilizing Effects

Addressing the grievances of populations that enable these actors to be effective.

How do violent groups use the Appeal of Alternative Authority

Must gain legitimacy among the populations they control, often by building support, sympathy, or tolerance.

Civilian Judgment of Authority

Civilians assess the best option based on their own interests

Reason for initial Support for ISIS

They sought to restore dignity, social standing, security, and economic opportunity lost under the Syrian and Iraqi regimes.

Drivers of Violent Extremism

State repression, failure to provide basic needs equitably, and exclusion of services

Failing Approach to tackling VNSAs

Quickly restoring security often overshadows addressing the conditions that make violent actors seem legitimate.

Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM)

Has gained support by addressing grievances like political marginalization of Fulani communities, disappearance of grazing routes, and repression by security forces.

What fuels the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) movement

Security force abuses and perceptions of ethnic marginalization

US Policy in Nigeria

Downplaying democratic deterioration and providing weapons with limited conditions.

What does Ignoring Local Legitimacy allow

Allows authoritarianism to seem like a reasonable solution while ignoring local issues.

Consequences of Neglecting Sympathy and Tolerance

The focus on force and repression reinforces the idea that democracy is not serious about political inclusion, pushing them closer to autocratic actors.

Recommendations for US Support

Security assistance conditioned on limited and legitimate use of force, and support partners to ensure legitimate political avenues for all civilians to address their grievances.