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theses

Researchers in the field of Security Studies would ultimately like to make prescriptions on how to curb international and domestic violence worldwide. Much of the existing research focuses on the governmental responses to already existing terrorist organizations, such as counterterrorism strategies. Most research focuses on the immediate impact of terrorist organizations. Therefore, little focus is given to the historical and cultural factors influencing the mobilization of actors into terrorist organizations and the relationship between the actors involved. Research suggests that governmental strategies against collective groups, such as brute police force, can serve as a catalyst for backlash. Further research should be done to understand the impact of governmental strategies that aid in the mobilization of individuals into terrorist organizations, viewing terrorists as the backlash of a policy choice implemented by domestic or state level institutions. A sense of grievance is the key motivational factor for most terrorist organization, a common bond between members. Unwarranted use of violence, death of civilians and a lack of transparency in governmental decision making, make it easier to capture sentiments of an already aggrieved population into that of a terrorist organization. The current research assesses the impact of governmental strategies on collective action and the mobilization into terrorist organizations after backlash. The current study proposes a connection between backlash of governmental strategies, collective action and terrorism. It suggests that political choices, at the domestic or international level, can influence the trajectory of aggrieved groups into terrorist organizations.

ETD_5649

doi:10.7282/T31N7ZDK

Ph.D.

Includes bibliographical references

Includes vita

by Ashlie T. Perry

ETD doctoral

The author owns the copyright to this work.