Literature 2 - Political violence and state-terrorism Flashcards
What is Tarrow (2006) about?
The article discusses the concept of cycles of protest, which are periods of increased and decreased collective action that involve changes in the repertoire of contention, the actors, the frames, and the outcomes.
o Summary: The essay aims to operationalize a cycle of protest as a wave of interconnected collective actions and reactions that increase and then decrease in frequency, intensity, and forms over time. The essay poses three main questions
Balance of Actions: Examines the mix of institutionalized and non-institutionalized actions in a protest cycle.
Activities in Moments of Madness: Investigates the nature of activities during intense periods of protest.
Permanent Changes: Explores how these actions lead to lasting changes in the repertoire of contention.
What are Moments of Madness according to Tarrow (2006)?
Moments of Madness: Tarrow introduces the concept of ‘moments of madness’, which are periods of intense social upheaval and protest. These moments are characterized by widespread participation in collective action, challenging established societal norms and structures
What are the elements of cyclicity according to Tarrow 2006
o Heightened conflict: Protest cycles involve increased and widespread collective action across the social system, challenging the authority and the status quo.
o Geographic and sectoral diffusion: Protest cycles spread from center to periphery, from core to marginal sectors, and from vanguard to follower groups, creating a broad mobilization base.
o Social movement organizations: Protest cycles are influenced by the presence and role of movement organizations that have a stake in contentious collective action and that provide resources, leadership, and coordination for protesters.
o New frames of meaning: Protest cycles generate new or transformed symbols, discourses, and ideologies that justify and dignify collective action and that appeal to a wider audience.
o Expanding repertoires of contention: Protest cycles are crucibles for the invention and diffusion of new forms of protest and collective action that challenge the conventional and institutionalized ones and that may become part of the future repertoire.
What can be the long-term impact of the moments of madness as stated in Tarrow 2006
- Impact on Society
o The article concludes by discussing the long-term impact of these ‘moments of madness’ on society. It suggests that they play a crucial role in shaping the continuing repertoire of protest, influencing future social movements and collective action
o Sidney Tarrow arguest that moments of madness play a crucial role in shaping the continuing repertoire of protest, influencing future social movements and collective action. In other words, the strategies, tactics, and forms of protest that emerge during these intense periods of collective action often become a part of the standard ‘toolkit’ for future social movements. They set precedents and provide models for how to organize, mobilize, and articulate demands.
For instance, a particular form of protest that proves effective during a ‘moment of madness’ might be adopted by subsequent movements. Similarly, new ‘master frames’ of meaning that resonate with people during these periods might be used to frame issues in future protests.
o Moreover, these moments can lead to societal changes that create new opportunities for protest and collective action. They can challenge established power structures, shift public opinion, and lead to changes in laws and policies that open up new avenues for contention.
In this way, ‘moments of madness’ have a lasting impact on society and the repertoire of collective action, shaping the dynamics of protest and social change for years to come
What is Tilly (2004) about?
The difference between Terror, Terrorism and Terrorists and the differences between Militias, Autonomist, Conspirators and Zealots.
What is terror according to Tilly (2004)?
o Terror is defined as asymmetrical deployment of threats and violence against enemies using means that fall outside the forms of political struggle routinely operating within the current regime.
o Terror can be used by governments, rebels, militias, religious and ethnic groups, and other actors, often in combination with other political strategies or as a complement or by product of other struggles.
o Terror can be directed at domestic or international targets, and can have different political goals and effects depending on the context and the audience.
o Terror is not a single phenomenon that can be explained by a general theory, but a strategy that can be adopted by a wide spectrum of organizations, circumstances, and beliefs.
What is the Typology of terror-wielding groups according to Tilly 2004?
- Typology of terror-wielding groups: Tilly proposes a classification of groups that use terror, based on their degree of specialization in coercion (i.e., the use of force or intimidation to obtain compliance) and their major locus of violent attacks (i.e., where they primarily carry out their attacks). This typology helps to understand the diversity of groups that engage in terror.
Terror users can be categorised through their territory and degree of
specialisation:
1. Militias (home, specialists)
2. Conspirators (outside, specialists)
3. Autonomists (home, nonspecialists)
4. Zealots (outside, nonspecialists)
What forms of state terrorism does Stohl identify (2006)
o Direct State Terrorism: This refers to acts of terrorism conducted by a state against its own citizens or against another state. It involves politically or ideologically inspired acts of violence against individuals or groups. For example, military actions primarily directed against non-combatant targets have been referred to as direct state terrorism.
o Indirect State Terrorism: Also known as state-sponsored terrorism, it is terrorist violence carried out with the active support of national governments provided to violent non-state actors. The state may provide financial, logistical, training, or ideological assistance to the terrorist groups. For example, Iran has supported Hezbollah and Hamas in their attacks against Israel and other targets.
o Internal State Terrorism: This is a form of state terrorism that targets domestic opponents or potential opponents of the regime. It aims to prevent or weaken their capability to challenge the authorities and their policies. It may use the full machinery of the state, including the judiciary, the police, and the military, as well as paramilitary or vigilante groups. For example, the Argentine military dictatorship (1976–1983) used systematic terror to eliminate thousands of dissidents and activists.
o External State Terrorism: This is a form of state terrorism that targets foreign governments or societies that are perceived as enemies or threats. It aims to destabilize, coerce, or overthrow them, or to achieve specific political goals. It may use direct or indirect methods, such as covert operations, sabotage, assassination, or proxy wars. For example, the United States has been accused of external state terrorism for its involvement in the 1973 coup in Chile, the 1980s contra war in Nicaragua, and the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
What are Stohl (2006) main findings about state terrorism.
- Stohl discusses the concept of the state as perpetrator of terrorism, challenging the common notions that terrorism is a weapon of the weak
- Stohl explores the idea that both strong and weak states can resort to terrorism, either when they perceive themselves powerless or when they believe terrorism is an efficient use of their power
- He highlights that terrorism is not just violence or repression, but involves threatened or perpetrated violence directed at a victim, intending to induce terror in a witness who is generally distinct from the victim
What are the purposes of state terrorism according to Stohl 2006
- It examines the purpose of terrorism
o Which may be
Advertising the cause
Winning specific concessions through coercive bargaining
Creating or enforcing obedience
Provoking indiscriminate reaction or repression
