KK4 - Boko Haram Case Studies + Power

Question 1

Power of Boko Haram (strengths)

Answer 1

-Terrorist organisations like Boko Haram are not signatories to any laws or international human rights standards.
-This means they can engage in asymmetric warfare to achieve their aims
- Boko Haram can employ tactics and strategies that are not equal to other global actors (e.g., states) as they are not signatories to international laws
- A prime example of this is them not having to suffer consequences for Chibok abductions in Nigeria
-Also, citizens’ participation in global NGOs is increasingly facilitated by dramatic changes in communications and technology

Question 2

Power of Boko Haram (weakness: sovereignty)

Answer 2

-Lacking sovereignty, Boko Haram does not occupy a legitimate position on the world stage and must resort to violence in order to achieve its aims.
-Unsuccessful territory claims can also compromise the power of the group.

Question 3

Power of Boko Haram (weakness: economic power)

Answer 3

-States possesses significantly more economic power than terrorist organisations, which can be used to counter the activities of these groups

Question 4

Economic power- weakness case study

Answer 4

-Un security council unanimously adopting resolution 2349 (2017), strongly condemns terrorist attacks, other violations in lake Chad Basin Region
-This prevented the flow of money from any member state to Boko Haram, making it illegal to provide financial assets and economic resources to individuals, groups, undertakings and entities in any way associated with the terrorist group
-Nigeria’s security budget has nearly tripled between 2015 and 2023 as the state seeks to address persistent terrorist threats and violent crime. Boko haram does not have this type of money