Terrorism Typologies
State Terrorism
State terrorism, state-enabled terrorism, and state-sponsored terrorism are interrelated because they all perpetrate acts of violence and intimidation. The term “state terrorism” describes intimidation and violent acts of terrorism committed by one state against another nation or its people. Governments frequently employ state terrorism to quell dissent, persecute political rivals, or punish those disagreeing with their policies.
State-Sponsored Terrorism
State terrorism is also utilized to instill fear in the public to discourage individuals from engaging in activities perceived as threatening or harmful to the state. Terrorist warfare conducted with the active backing of national governments given to aggressive non-state entities is known as state-sponsored terrorism (Taylor & Swanson, 2018). This terrorism is frequently employed to topple regimes or pursue geopolitical objectives.
State-Enabled Terrorism
State-enabled terrorism occurs when the government or its representatives employ violence and intimidation to help non-state actors, such as terrorist organizations, achieve their political goals. This terrorism is frequently used to topple regimes or pursue geopolitical objectives. To prevent people from taking part in actions viewed as subversive or dangerous to the state, state-enabled terrorism can also be employed to sow fear.
Ideologies of Left-Wing and Right-Wing Terrorism
Left-Wing Terrorism
Left-wing terrorism is a form of political violence used to further political goals, frequently resulting in overthrowing established governments or institutions. It is commonly employed to question the status quo, bring about social and economic change, and realize objectives like social fairness and economic equality (Taylor & Swanson, 2018). Anarchism, Marxism, and socialism are among the philosophies that frequently inspire left-wing terrorism.
Right-Wing Terrorism
Right-wing terrorism is a form of political violence intended to further political goals, frequently the maintenance of current institutions of power. It is commonly used to uphold the status quo, defend traditional values, and safeguard established power structures. Ideologies like fascism, nationalism, and populism frequently serve as the motivation for right-wing terrorism.
Somalia as a “State-Sponsor” of Terrorism
Somalia is a nation in Eastern Africa that has experienced political unrest and civil war since President Siad Barre was overthrown there in 1991 (Taylor & Swanson, 2018). The leading cause of disturbance in the country is the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, which is connected to al-Qaeda (Taylor & Swanson, 2018). Since 2008, the United States has designated Al-Shabaab as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and charged Somalia with supporting terrorism on the national level.
US Sanctions Against Somalia
Due to Somalia’s government’s inaction against Al-Shabaab and its ties to the organization, the United States has designated Somalia as a state sponsor of terrorism. The Somalian government has been charged with supporting the group by offering safe shelter, instruction, and weaponry. The US has also claimed that Al-Shabaab uses Somalia as a base to strike nations like Kenya and Uganda (Taylor & Swanson, 2018). Because of Somalia’s affiliation with Al-Shabaab, the United States has imposed several sanctions on the country (Taylor & Swanson, 2018). These include asset freezes, travel restrictions, and an arms embargo. Additionally, the United States has limited foreign aid to Somalia and banned the import of some items, notably livestock.
A Safe Haven for Terrorists
Al-Shabaab is among the terrorist organizations accused of using Somalia as a haven. The group has carried out its operations in the nation with a fair amount of freedom, carrying out attacks on civilian and governmental targets. Additionally, the group has been charged with utilizing Somalia as a base for activities in Kenya and Uganda, among other nations. I think there is a probability that Somalia will be removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. This is due to the actions taken by the Somali government to fight Al-Shabaab, including the deployment of troops to do so (Taylor & Swanson, 2018). The government has also committed to battling terrorism, which has improved its counterterrorism laws.
Somalia as a Failed State
Somalia is regarded as a failed state because it doesn’t have a functioning government, can’t offer its people the most basic services, and can’t keep the violence under control, which has plagued the nation for years. In addition, Somalia is rife with corruption and human rights violations, and it has failed to solve the humanitarian crises brought on by civil conflict and terrorism (Taylor & Swanson, 2018).
US Assessment of State Sponsorship of Terrorism
The US Department of State is responsible for determining which nations are state sponsors of terrorism. To determine whether a nation satisfies the requirements for being labeled as a state sponsor of terrorism, the Department of State consults with the intelligence community and reviews the available information. The President, who has the last say on whether a nation should be labeled as a state sponsor of terrorism, is then given the Department of State’s proposal.
The Relationship of Somalia to the Four Waves of Terrorism
Al-Shabaab is a member of the fourth terrorist wave, called “religious terrorism.” The use of violence by religious fanatics to further political objectives, particularly in response to perceived religious persecution or foreign occupation, distinguishes this wave (Taylor & Swanson, 2018). Al-Shabaab has been charged with resorting to violence, intimidation, and other ways to conduct terrorism, like murder, to advance its goals of establishing an Islamic state in Somalia and fighting against what it sees as Western influence in the area.
Reference
Taylor, R. W., & Swanson, C. R. (2018). Terrorism, Intelligence and Homeland Security (2nd ed.). Pearson Education (US). Web.