UNIT 4 AOS 2 T ASPECTS

Question 1

Non state terrorism

Answer 1

• Non state terrorism are acts of violence used to achieve political and ideological aims without links to a state. An example is the ISIS group who have been proven to commit acts of violence to achieve political and ideological aims, but do not govern a state. A key example of this is the ISIS claiming the 51 beheadings which occurred in Mozambique in 2020 to destabilise governments and instil fear within communities, ultimately showcasing how non state terrorism can be a cause of terrorism

Corruption and ineffective governance: (Boko Haram 2002-present)
- Corruption and ineffective governance can lead to terrorism by creating conditions of widespread frustration and disenfranchisement that extremist groups exploit. In Nigeria, Boko Haram’s rise since 2010 is a clear example: deep-seated corruption and poor governance by the Nigerian government, including embezzlement and failure to provide essential services, generated significant public discontent. Boko Haram capitalized on these failures, positioning itself as a defender of the oppressed and using violent actions, such as the 2014 Chibok schoolgirl kidnappings, to challenge and destabilize the government, leading to a prolonged and devastating conflict.

Question 2

Terrorism as an instrument to state policy

Answer 2

• Using terrorism as a state policy, as demonstrated by the Syrian government’s chemical attacks from 2013 to 2017, can drive global terrorism. The Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons, like the 2013 sarin attack that killed over 1,400 civilians, was intended to terrorize and control the population. Despite international condemnation and response, including missile strikes from the US, such actions not only perpetuate violence but also fuel further terrorism by destabilizing the region and undermining peace efforts.

Question 3

Role of asymmetric warfare: (level the playing field between non-state actor and a technologically and militarily superior state)

Answer 3

Asymmetric warfare involves warfare between two opposing forces which differ greatly in military power and that typically involves the use of unconventional weapons and tactics
- Asymmetric warfare, where one side uses unconventional tactics to counter a more powerful opponent, can exacerbate terrorism. In the Israel-Hamas conflict during Operation Protective Edge in July 2014, Hamas used irregular tactics like rocket attacks and underground tunnels from Gaza to challenge Israel’s advanced military capabilities. This asymmetry not only bypassed Israel’s defences but also intensified the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, making it harder to achieve a lasting resolution and contributing to the cycle of violence and terrorism.