Terrorism

State Terrorism and Genocide
Definition of State Terrorism
  • State terrorism refers to acts committed by a state against its own citizens or non-citizens to instill fear or achieve political aims.
Examples of State Terrorism
  • Case 1: Cambodia (1960s-1970s): Leader's intention to initiate a new regime, facing numerous opponents.
  • Case 2: Armenia: Turkey's refusal to apologize for actions against Armenians; discourse around genocide and its implications.
  • Case 3: Iraq (1980s): Saddam Hussein, known for using chemical weapons, conducted an aerial gassing of a Kurdish village, killing many, to suppress Kurdish opposition.
Rwanda Genocide
Historical Context
  • Rwanda, a small Central African country, had two main ethnic groups: Hutus and Tutsis, who historically shared common language, culture, and intermarried.
Colonial Influence
  • 1899: Germany colonized Rwanda, introducing racial theories that favored Tutsis (14% of population).
  • Post World War I: Belgium took control, issuing ID cards differentiating ethnic groups, which intensified tensions.
Independence and Conflict
  • 1962: Rwanda gained independence from Belgium.
  • 1993: Arusha Accords signed to cease fighting and share power.
Trigger of the Genocide
  • A plane crash killed the Hutu president; Tutsis were blamed, leading to mass killings by Hutu extremists.
Paul Kagame's Role
  • Paul Kagame, from the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), a Tutsi military group, rose to leadership and has persisted for multiple presidential terms since 1999/2000.
International Response
  • The genocide was met with global silence and minimal foreign military presence.

Ethnic Groups in China

Uighurs
  • Ethnic and cultural identity: Live in Northwest China (Shenzhen province), predominantly Muslim with Turkic language roots, and a historical Central Asian background.
  • Current Status: Subjected to indoctrination efforts by the Chinese government to promote communism.
Tibetans
  • Ethnic and cultural identity: Reside in southwestern China, primarily Buddhist with their own unique language and culture.
  • Current Status: Facing persecution following Chinese control since the Communist takeover in 1949.
Aspects of Liberation
  • Both Uighurs and Tibetans desire freedom from Chinese rule and aspire to establish independent nations.
Taiwan
  • Not part of mainland China, but often included in discussions of Chinese territorial claims. Well-known for its significance in the global semiconductor industry. Its current status is a contentious political issue for China.

Conclusion

  • Students are advised to download review sheets and begin studying for final exams based on the modules discussed.