Terrorism

Question 1

Define terrorism

Answer 1

Terrorism is typically used by weaker powers in a conflict against a larger state who believe the only way to bring about change is through the act of violence

Question 2

What percentage of Western countries suffer from acts of terrorism

Answer 2

Less than 3% in the last 15 years

Question 3

Cultural explanation of terrorism

Answer 3

Samuel Hurlington: non-Western powers are “resentful of the West’s military presence in the Persian Gulf (and) the West’s overwhelming military dominance”
CP: this allows for homogeneity within the Islamic World eg: violence between the Sunni’s and Sh’ia’s in Iraq

Question 4

Economic explanation of terrorism

Answer 4

• Globalisation can be viewed as a form of Western economic imperialism

Question 5

Gurr’s economic explanation in 1970

Answer 5

Globalisation creates expectations and when these are not met, some people may turn to extreme political views

Question 6

Franz Fanon’s economic explanation

Answer 6

violent struggle would continue until economic and power imbalances were removed eg: 9/11 attacked an icon of global capitalism not necessarily the policies of the US

Question 7

Describe the 2008 Mumbai Terrorist Attack

Answer 7

• 26 November 2008
• Led by Pakistani terrorist group Laskar-e-Taiba
• 156 dies and 300 were injured
• represented how technology is now being used to their advantage (eg: handheld GPS, Zabiuddin Ansari ordered the team inside the Taj Hotel 500 miles away

Question 8

Define jihadism

Answer 8

Describes Islamist movements ‘rooted in Islam’ and existentially threaten the West

Question 9

Argument’s against aggressive responses to terrorism

Answer 9

• Interventions don’t work (egL US, French and Israeli intervention in Lebanon from 1983-2000)
• do not address the root of the problems
• leaders temptation to respond with extraordinary measures only undermines their states credibility and legitimacy

Question 10

Arguments for aggressive responses for terrorism

Answer 10

• paradigm shift: terrorist now kill others who do not conform to their belief as opposed to using violence to strengthen a bargaining standpoint
• pressure on terrorist groups keeps the homeland safe => better to take action elsewhere
• globalisation means that national boundaries are irrelevant