Terrorism

Terrorism Notes

Definition of Terrorism

• The threat or use of violence to change an existing political order.

Goals of Terrorists

• Political, ideological, or religious motivations.

• Destabilizing governments.

• Instilling fear in populations.

• Achieving specific policy changes.

Financing of Terrorist Operations

• Illicit activities (e.g., drug trafficking).

• Extortion.

• Donations from sympathizers.

• State sponsorship in some cases.

Costs of Terrorism

• Loss of human lives.

• Economic damage.

• Psychological impact on societies.

• Erosion of trust in institutions.

• Increased security measures that can infringe on civil liberties.

Factors Leading to Terrorism

• Asymmetrical power dynamics.

• Historical events (e.g., Soviet invasion of Afghanistan).

• Presence of state sponsors of terrorism.

Historical Context

Jacobin Reign of Terror (1792-1794)

Asymmetrical Power Dynamics

• Osama bin Laden:

  • Camp David Accords aggravated radical Islamist groups including al-Zawahiri’s Muslim Brotherhood.

Key Events

• 1980: Soviet invasion of Afghanistan - Defensive war; foreign fighters go to Afghanistan to form Mujahedeen.

• 1990-91: First Iraq War places Western troops in Saudi Arabia, seen negatively by OBL and followers.

Major Terrorist Organizations

• Al-Qaeda:

  • Built a centralized cellular network globally.

  • Attacked US interests (e.g., USS Cole, embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, first WTC bombing in 1993).

  • Notable event: 9/11 attack.

• Taliban:

  • Focusing on ruling Afghanistan based on their interpretation of Islam.

• Hezbollah:

  • Engaged in various forms of terrorism (e.g., domestic, nationalist, religious, narco).

Narcoterrorism

• The alliance of drug traffickers and anti-government revolutionaries; often associated with political violence in Colombia.

Legislation and Government Response

• USA Patriot Act:

  • Controversial 2001 law that expanded government powers in dealing with terrorism.