state failure reading

Question 1

blakely’s main critique of orthodox terrorism studies

Answer 1

orthodox terrorism studies focuses almost exclusively on non-state actors targeting the west, igoring the role of state terrorism - particularly by liberal democratic states like u.s., britain, france

Question 2

how does blakely define state terrorism

Answer 2

acts or threats of violence by state representatives against civilians, intended to instill fear and achieve political goals

Question 3

why is state terrorism often excluded from mainstream terrorism studies?

Answer 3

methodological limitations of orthodox scholars.

institutional affilitations of researchers (ties to gov. bodies)

marginalization of normative and critical approaches in international relations

Question 4

paul wilkinson’s definition of terrorism - how does it expose a double standard?

Answer 4

wilkinson’s definition includes criteria that state actions (tortue, targeting civilians, etc) could meet., but he only applies it to non-state actors and marxist regimes ignoring right wing or western state violence

Question 5

what role does RAND corp play in shaping terrorism studies

Answer 5

rand is (research and develop) non profit think tank based in US created in 1948

it helps produce influential terrorism data sets - enforces a narrow framing of terrorism that excludes state perpetrated acts

Question 6

historical examples of state terrorism by northern democracies mentioned in the article?

Answer 6

U.S - cold war repression in latin america

britain - torture and internment in nothern ireland

france - torture during the algerian war

Question 7

how does blakely suggest scholars can reclaim the term terrorism?

Answer 7

using it as an analytical tool rather than a political weapon and applying it to both state and non state actions

Question 8

significance of critical theory in blakeley’s argument?

Answer 8

critical theory challenges existing power structures and assumptions - enables scholars to question the legitimacy of institutions including the state

Question 9

how does u.s. foreign policy during the cold war exemplify state terrorism

Answer 9

U.S. backed authoritarian regimes, orchestrated coups, and trained local elites in repressive tactics – including torture – to protect its global interests. support facilitated widespread terror and human rights violations across the global south

Question 10

what does blakely propose for the future of terrorism studies

Answer 10

bring back the state into analysis - examine both liberal and authoritarian regimes.