POLI104 Week 9 lecture notes - VNSAs

What are Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs)?

Groups that challenge the state's monopoly on the legitimate use of force.

What are some challenges to state authority since the 1970s?

International organizations (e.g., EU), ethnic groups, tribalism, and NGOs.

According to Weber (1948), what defines a state?

A monopoly on the legitimate use of force.

Name three factors that weaken state sovereignty according to Grieco et al. (2022).

Failed states, empowerment of non-state actors via technology (e.g., internet, mobile), and normative shifts (e.g., Responsibility to Protect).

Define terrorism according to Richards (2014).

Violence intended for political impact beyond immediate victims.

Who are Foreign Fighters (FFs)?

Non-citizens who join insurgencies in civil wars.

What were the three aims of Al Qaeda?

Conduct terrorism, train/support jihadists, and lead the global movement.

What event triggered the U.S. response in the 'War on Terror'?

The 9/11 terrorist attacks.

What are some arguments against the Iraq War?

Realists opposed it as not in U.S. interest; liberals were divided; constructivists focused on ideas in U.S. neoconservatism; Marxists cited oil interests and neoconservative power agendas.

What pre-war norms existed before the 'War on Terror'?

Anti-torture (UN Convention, 1984) and anti-assassination norms

What are some arguments for the 'End of War on Terror'?

Death of Bin Laden, failed U.S. counterinsurgency, high financial cost ($1.2 trillion), and decline of ideological basis.

From what organization did Islamic State (IS) originate?

Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) under Zarqawi (2004).

What fueled IS's resurgence?

The Syrian Civil War (2011).

Why did people join IS?

Disillusionment, lack of future, search for purpose, and religious motives.

How was IS weakened?

Western airstrikes and training, and local resistance e.g. Kurds from the SDF (syrian democratic forces)

What are some concerns regarding Foreign Fighters (FFs)?

FF returnees as security threats and political impact.

Have Foreign Fighters (FFs) been involved in other major conflicts?

Yes, the Spanish Civil War 1936–39 (30,000) and the Ukraine conflict 2022– (over 10,000 so far)