lecture recording on 28 January 2025 at 15.13.19 PM

Sound Check Announcements

• Microphone issue: Questions from students cannot be heard by classmates.

• Instructor will repeat questions for clarity.

ASU Elections Committee Announcement

• Announced by Brianna, India, and Melinda.

• Importance of participating in elections to advocate for peers and represent interests.

• Application deadline extended to next Friday at 11:59 PM.

• QR code for applications available on Instagram and linked in their bio.

• Open invitation for questions via Instagram or office visits.

Class Logistics and Upcoming Exam

• Reminder for student organizations to send announcements via email.

• Resuming the topic of terrorism as the final segment before the exam.

• Instructor reflects on personal significance of 9/11 as a formative moment.

Definition of Terrorism

• Discussed as a tactic involving the threat or use of violence against noncombatants to induce fear or intimidation.

• Noted that definitions can vary based on perspective and politics.

• The complexity of labeling individuals or groups as terrorists.

Rational Behavior in Terrorism

• Introduced a concept distinguishing rational versus irrational acts in the context of terrorism.

• Explained that rational behavior does not imply moral correctness; it simply refers to the subjective goal-oriented actions taken by actors.

• Mentioned that terrorism can be seen as a strategic response by weak actors targeting strong states.

Extremism Defined

• Extremism involves intense preferences held by a small and politically marginalized group.

• Unpopular interests that drive individuals towards extreme measures.

• Clarified that extremism is not inherently irrational.

Terrorism as Strategic Behavior

• Addressed the idea that terrorist actions are often planned based on perceived political goals.

• Discussed the challenges of understanding terrorist motivations and the difficulties in counteracting terrorism systematically.

• Mentioned that characteristics of terrorist organizations include decentralized cells and lack of strict hierarchy.

Comparison of Terrorism and Insurgency

• Highlighted distinctions between terrorism (targeting civilians) and insurgency (combatting military forces).

• Demonstrated that terrorist tactics are intended to instill fear in the public rather than garner support.

Tactics Used by Terrorists

• Overview of strategies: coercion, provocation, spoiling, and posturing.

• Explained that terrorism aims to threaten future violence as an intimidation strategy.

• Discussed the idea of using violence to provoke governments into overreaction, alienating moderates.

Counterterrorism Measures Discussed

• Deterrence: Skeptical effectiveness, as terrorist groups can easily evade threats.

• Preemption: Challenging due to the decentralized nature of terrorist cells.

• Defensive Measures: Effective against direct attacks but costly and limited.

• Criminalization: Difficult due to international cooperation issues and differing perceptions of terrorism.

• Negotiation: Caution advised, as negotiations can legitimize extremist demands and lead to more groups adopting similar tactics.

Alternative Perspectives on Terrorism by Max Abrahams

• Presents the argument that social bonds and personal ties motivate individuals more than ideological goals.

• Seven puzzling tendencies of terrorists that highlight why these groups often engage in seemingly ineffective actions.

• Social solidarity and personal connections can be underlying motives for involvement in terrorism.

Understanding and Preventing Terrorism

• Call for critical evaluation of motives behind terrorism and the effectiveness of counterterrorism strategies.

• Emphasis on recognizing that the simplicity of labeling terrorist acts may overlook complexities and encourage further extremism.

• Suggested that addressing social grievances and fostering inclusivity could reduce the appeal of extremist groups.

Closing Thoughts on Examination Preparation

• Encouragement to approach both the textbook's and new perspectives critically for comprehensive understanding.

• Prepare to elaborate on both theories for the upcoming exam.