Work

Threat Perception, Policy Diffusion, and the Logic of Terrorist Group Designation

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Many governments maintain lists of terrorist groups, imposing sanctions on designated organizations. However, the logic behind designation remains unclear. Furthermore, most studies focus on Western countries. This paper develops arguments for why attack attributes, group attributes, and policy diffusion might explain proscription. Empirically, we examine hundreds of militant organizations to see which are listed by the European Union, India, Pakistan, Russia, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Generally, designation does not seem to be driven by target or attack severity. It often results from diffusion: most countries follow the United States. Islamist group motivation is also an important factor.

Source: Studies in Conflict and Terrorism

DOI: 10.1080/1057610x.2021.2011711

Authors: Mirna El Masri, Brian J. Phillips

Institutions: German Institute for Global and Area Studies, University of Mannheim, University of Essex, Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas

Language: English

Topic: Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Political Violence

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Princeton University, University of Cambridge