This thesis analyses various counterterrorism measures undertaken by the European Union and two member states (France and Belgium), to draw conclusions about the role of the European Union and its...Show moreThis thesis analyses various counterterrorism measures undertaken by the European Union and two member states (France and Belgium), to draw conclusions about the role of the European Union and its effectiveness in this domain. The general strategy for counterterrorism of the EU and related agencies are delved into, to contrast with what measures the two chosen member states have taken. An established theoretical framework serves the goal of analyzing these measures. Finally, through the description of measures in a historical and political context, the analysis of said measures reveals a concerning conclusion. The conclusion reached is that the EU is not authoritative enough about its role in counterterrorism, and that member states are too distrusting of and unwilling to cooperate with the appropriate EU bodies for counterterrorism.Show less
With the threat of terrorism in its latest and potent incarnation as Islamic State in Syria and Iraq (ISIS) still on the ascendancy, the global war on terror has entered a new era, and its efficacy...Show moreWith the threat of terrorism in its latest and potent incarnation as Islamic State in Syria and Iraq (ISIS) still on the ascendancy, the global war on terror has entered a new era, and its efficacy is in question. More than 15 years have passed since the 9/11 terror attacks, and yet success in suppressing terrorist activities and insurgencies still remains unclear. Successful counter-terrorism strategies in the wake of ISIS seem to require nations addressing extremism as the ideological motivation for terrorism. Reliance solely on the hard approach of war on terror seems to neglect the importance of the historical, cultural and ideological roots of terrorism. There is a pressing need now for countries to implement and include both “hard” and “soft” approaches in its counter-terrorism framework. Being the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country Indonesia has been an appealing target for ISIS in Southeast Asia. As a lynchpin in the region it has become absolutely critical for the country to handle the ISIS threat and reduce potential spillover in the region. While the Indonesian state has faced several challenges in countering the ISIS threat, it has also attained reasonable success in mitigating and containing the threat.Show less
The theory on (security) regionalism has shown that both the SCO and AU are considered to be part of ‘weak state IO’s’, which was proven through the variables put forward by Kelly. Both the SCO and...Show moreThe theory on (security) regionalism has shown that both the SCO and AU are considered to be part of ‘weak state IO’s’, which was proven through the variables put forward by Kelly. Both the SCO and AU strengthen sovereignty by turning the security dilemma inwards, so as to handle the issue themselves, with varying degrees of success. However, the AU is susceptible to intervention from above or from one of its members, if the situation is deemed sufficiently worrying and ‘grave circumstances’ have been observed. The relationships between the individual states and their regional organisations are significantly different, due to their own power projection capabilities. China’s power projection capability is the second largest in the world and will continue to improve, as military spending will increase. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s socio-economic and governance issues have been obstacles in acquiring sufficient growth and thus projecting power. This was also shown in the case study and the government’s approach to handling the issue, eventually leading to the formation of the MNJTF together with its mandate to defeat Boko Haram. By imposing hard-hitting measures on the region, China is able to keep terrorist attacks inside the country to a minimum, while allowing law enforcement agencies to catch-up with the terrorists. This is exactly how the CT theory was explained in theory and thus proves its efficacy in action. The African Union’s military approach has emerged through the lack of control Nigeria’s government has over its territory and lack of effective law enforcement measures. As Boko Haram spread across borders, a multinational task force was established to combat the group. It shows that the framework to combat terrorism established by the SCO RATS has a more effective approach. However, due to the nature of these autocratic regimes and the tendency of elites in these regimes to use the regional security organisations for the purpose of promoting their “collective internal security”, the chance remains high for abuses of power, suppression of minorities and human rights abuses. This is what the thesis found for the situation in China; with the contested designation of ETIM as a terrorist organization, and ‘loose’ framework in SCO RATS to designate all unwanted ‘activities’ as terrorism. Although it has proven significantly effective, the provisions in the SCO RATS are at times vague such as ‘preventive measures’, which could be used to manipulate or even infringe upon basic human rights. Therefore, this paper would recommend to implement a regional oversight committee, including neutral UN observers which would provide checks and balances on the military (hard) and law enforcement (soft) measures. This seems highly unlikely, China’s capabilities have proven to be effective in getting international recognition but handling the issue discreetly by itself. Therefore, for China or other SCO members to ask for outsiders to join contradicts the essence of what the SCO is in the eyes of China, a way to gain international legitimacy and recognition, but also a way to keep external influence out of the region and letting them handle the problem by their own.Show less
