Most studies that examine the relationship between rebel movements and collective action often only tackle a certain dimension of the rebel movement. This being either the creation of a rebellion,...Show moreMost studies that examine the relationship between rebel movements and collective action often only tackle a certain dimension of the rebel movement. This being either the creation of a rebellion, the methods that are used to reach the set-out goal by a rebellion, or the way in which collective action can explain the resolution to the conflict. This thesis attempts to provide a clear explanation that is grounded in the study of collective action and is applicable to all the above-mentioned dimensions of a rebel movement. The goal of this thesis is to expose how collective action can explain the success or failure of a rebellion. In this thesis, a discourse analysis on the relationship between the rebel experience, which encompasses the creation, mobilisation, used tactics and behaviour during attempts at peace by the movement, and the solving of collective action problems which are associated with rebel movements was carried out. This relationship was further assessed by examining two examples of rebel movements who were active in Europe. These cases are the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA). The analysis provided insight into the importance of leaders within a rebel movement. From assessing the cases, it was established that leaders utilised certain collective action solutions, to overcome the associated collective action problems a rebellion deals with. Further assessment into the cases of both the IRA and ETA established that the willingness and capability of leaders to form peace, is instrumental in the ultimate success or failure of a rebel movement. ultimately, the relevance of leaders in solving collective action problems in a rebellion requires more research to explain where and why rebellions fail or succeed.Show less
Most studies that examine the relationship between rebel movements and collective action often only tackle a certain dimension of the rebel movement. This being either the creation of a rebellion,...Show moreMost studies that examine the relationship between rebel movements and collective action often only tackle a certain dimension of the rebel movement. This being either the creation of a rebellion, the methods that are used to reach the set-out goal by a rebellion, or the way in which collective action can explain the resolution to the conflict. This thesis attempts to provide a clear explanation that is grounded in the study of collective action and is applicable to all the above-mentioned dimensions of a rebel movement. The goal of this thesis is to expose how collective action can explain the success or failure of a rebellion. In this thesis, a discourse analysis on the relationship between the rebel experience, which encompasses the creation, mobilisation, used tactics and behaviour during attempts at peace by the movement, and the solving of collective action problems which are associated with rebel movements was carried out. This relationship was further assessed by examining two examples of rebel movements who were active in Europe. These cases are the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA). The analysis provided insight into the importance of leaders within a rebel movement. From assessing the cases, it was established that leaders utilised certain collective action solutions, to overcome the associated collective action problems a rebellion deals with. Further assessment into the cases of both the IRA and ETA established that the willingness and capability of leaders to form peace, is instrumental in the ultimate success or failure of a rebel movement. ultimately, the relevance of leaders in solving collective action problems in a rebellion requires more research to explain where and why rebellions fail or succeed.Show less
There has been a substantial shift in recent decades towards the ‘new’ terrorism paradigm, and with it a shift by academics, policymakers and counter-terrorism experts on the conception of the...Show moreThere has been a substantial shift in recent decades towards the ‘new’ terrorism paradigm, and with it a shift by academics, policymakers and counter-terrorism experts on the conception of the modern threat that terrorist organizations pose and the ways to counter them.1 The new terrorism paradigm suggests that we have seen the rise of radical religious terrorist organizations, such as Al-Qaeda, from the 1990s onward, and that somehow these organizations pose a greater threat to our security than previous terrorist organizations, as they have no clear objective and merely wish for destruction in the name of religion. Through the analysis of two case studies, that of the IRA and Al-Qaeda, and the focus on national vs. transnational natures, as well as secular and religious motivations, the research will be able to suggest whether we are indeed seeing a ‘new wave’ of terrorism in modern times, and may lead to a more sound base for the ‘new’ terrorism claim as well as shift conceptions of policy makers and academics on counter-terrorism strategies and conceptions of the modern day threat of terrorism. The IRA has been chosen as a famous example of a nationalist terrorist organization from the 1970s, and will thus be used to test the old terrorism category, whereas Al-Qaeda has been selected as the first transnational religious terrorist organization which emerged in the 1990s as a test of the ‘new’ terrorism category. The comparative analysis of the two case studies will ultimately prove whether or not ‘new wave’ terrorism and its emphasis on religion as a main feature is justified and will then push forward a new way of conceiving of terrorism. Firstly, it is important to understand the different paradigms of terrorism (i.e. old vs. new), these will be discussed in the state of the art. Chapter 1 and 2 will focus on the case studies of the IRA and Al-Qaeda, after which chapter 3 will contrast and compare the outcomes of these case studies and will make a preliminary categorization of the organizations. Chapter 4 will delve into the issue of religion in ‘new’ terrorism and will explain how Islam has become a prominent religious motivation and justification in recent years for radical Islamist groups such as Al-Qaeda. Finally, a conclusion will be made on the justification of the theory proposed by Rapoport, and the categorizations of the IRA and Al-Qaeda.Show less
This thesis examines the construction of citizenship in terrorist organisations by looking at two terrorist organisations: the IRA and the PLO. So far, most of the studies tend to focus on how...Show moreThis thesis examines the construction of citizenship in terrorist organisations by looking at two terrorist organisations: the IRA and the PLO. So far, most of the studies tend to focus on how terrorist organisations operate instead of how they incorporate their constituency. therefore, this thesis will give an insight in the structure of terrorist organisations and how they control their constituency. However, this thesis will develop a better understanding of the relation between the organisation and their constituency. The construction of citizenship is assessed by looking at three elements of citizenship construction: legal status, participation, and identity. It is argued that both the IRA and PLO have experienced a similar construction of citizenship in their organisation and sheds a light on how terrorist organisations create coherence in their organisation. The terrorist organisation optimise these elements of citizenship to include and bind their constituency to their organisation and their objective.Show less
This paper looks at the impact of Eamon de Valera, Michael Collins, Arthur Griffith and Cathal Brugha upon the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty, focusing on the period from the Easter Rising of April 1916...Show moreThis paper looks at the impact of Eamon de Valera, Michael Collins, Arthur Griffith and Cathal Brugha upon the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty, focusing on the period from the Easter Rising of April 1916 to the ratification of the Treaty by the Dáil in January 1922. The research looks at why these figures differed in opinion regarding what political form an independent Ireland would take, as well as asking whether the men’s personal differences helped to sow the seeds of civil war in June 1922, or whether their differences were a reflection of wider public disagreement over the nation’s future.Show less
