Write an essay that examines the history of a particular aspect of terrorism from its inception to the present.   You may choose a particular idea, tactic or rhetorical claim.  Use David Rapoport’s 4 Wave-Theory as the historical guide.  Some interesting options to get you thinking:

QUESTION

The final (“long”) essay for this class gives you a great deal of freedom in choosing your topic.  I have provided two broad options below, one offering more structural and conceptual criteria to follow and the other offering near total freedom.  As this is a “long essay” I will be looking for meticulously proofread papers in the 10-page range.  Be sure to document all sources, in MLA or another format, and include a Works Cited (MLA), a references page or a bibliography.

Choice #1:

Write an essay that examines the history of a particular aspect of terrorism from its inception to the present.   You may choose a particular idea, tactic or rhetorical claim.  Use David Rapoport’s 4 Wave-Theory as the historical guide.  Some interesting options to get you thinking:

-the terrorist weaponry “arms race”    -“terrorist” vs. “freedom fighter”   -targeting civilians

-terrorist messaging/branding             -terrorism and technology             -counter-terrorism tactics

Choice #2:

This is the option for those of you who have already come to me with ideas for the long essay.  Unlike the first choice, this one needn’t be historical, although it could be.  Here are some options from past classes:

-a comparison of Al Qaeda’s 1996 fatwa against the US to The World Islamic Front’s Declaration of War Against Americans in 1998

-the Narodnaya Volya’s “Accidental” Suicide Campaign         -the “lone wolf” analysis

-the role of women in terrorist groups                                       -the Fifth Wave of Terrorism

-women as targets of terrorist groups                                        -Iran’s State-sponsored Terrorism

-Al-Qaeda’s “franchise model”                                                 -ISIS and the internet

-Hasan al-Turabi’s annual Terrorism Conference in the Sudan

All topics that do not appear as one of the choices listed above must be cleared with me before you submit your essay.

This essay is due no at the time scheduled for our final exam, which is. You may use your midterm exam as the exam third of your grade. Those who were planning to take the optional final exam will still have that option. As soon as I figure out how to accomplish a final exam under our current circumstances, I’ll let you know.

ANSWER

The Evolution of Terrorism: An Analysis of the Five Waves and Modern Manifestations

Introduction

Terrorism, a persistent global threat, has evolved over time, adapting to changing socio-political contexts and technological advancements. This essay examines the history of terrorism, focusing on its evolution through the lens of David Rapoport’s Four Wave-Theory. It explores various aspects of terrorism, including weaponry, rhetoric, target selection, messaging, technology, and counter-terrorism tactics. By understanding the historical development of terrorism, we can gain valuable insights into its current manifestations and develop effective strategies to combat this menace.

 The Four Wave-Theory of Terrorism

David Rapoport’s Four Wave-Theory provides a framework to understand the historical progression of terrorist movements. Each wave represents a distinct phase characterized by specific motivations, tactics, and ideologies (Chiangi, 2019). This section briefly introduces the concept of the Four Waves and sets the foundation for the subsequent analysis.

Wave One: The Anarchist Wave (Late 19th to Early 20th Century)

The first wave of terrorism emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by anarchist ideologies (Demi̇Rci̇, 2021). This section explores the historical context, key figures, and tactics employed by anarchist terrorists. It discusses the role of weaponry and the “arms race” between terrorists and law enforcement agencies during this period.

Wave Two: The Anti-Colonial Wave (Mid-20th Century)

The second wave of terrorism coincided with the struggle for decolonization in the mid-20th century. Focusing on “terrorist” vs. “freedom fighter” rhetoric, this section examines the ideological justifications employed by nationalist movements. It delves into the targeting of civilians and the ethical dilemmas surrounding such tactics.

Wave Three: The New Left Wave (Late 1960s to 1980s)

The third wave of terrorism witnessed the rise of leftist revolutionary movements and ideologically motivated groups. This section analyzes the messaging and branding strategies used by these groups to convey their political grievances. It also explores the interplay between terrorism and technology, particularly the role of media in shaping public perceptions.

Wave Four: The Religious Wave (Late 20th Century to Present)

The fourth wave of terrorism, which began in the late 20th century, is characterized by religious motivations, particularly Islamic extremism (Country Reports on Terrorism 2019 – United States Department of State, 2021). This section examines the ideological foundations of religious terrorism and its utilization of technology, including the internet, for recruitment and radicalization purposes.

Modern Manifestations and Counter-Terrorism Tactics

This section delves into contemporary manifestations of terrorism, beyond the Four Wave-Theory framework. It explores the “lone wolf” phenomenon and the role of women in terrorist groups, both as participants and targets. Additionally, it analyzes the “franchise model” employed by Al-Qaeda and the state-sponsored terrorism conducted by Iran. The section also highlights the impact of the internet on the tactics and strategies of groups like ISIS.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the history of terrorism reveals the evolution of tactics, ideologies, and motivations over time. By understanding the progression through Rapoport’s Four Wave-Theory, we gain insights into the diverse aspects of terrorism and its contemporary manifestations. Analyzing topics such as weaponry, messaging, technology, and counter-terrorism tactics provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges we face in combating this global threat. As we move forward, it is crucial to adapt our strategies to the evolving nature of terrorism, using historical knowledge as a guide.

References

Chiangi, M. A. (2019). A Theoretical Conception of Modern Terrorism: David Rapoport’s Four Waves Theory. Social Science Research Network. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3498569 

Country Reports on Terrorism 2019 – United States Department of State. (2021, May 10). United States Department of State. https://www.state.gov/reports/country-reports-on-terrorism-2019/ 

Demi̇Rci̇, Ö. F. (2021). Commercial Off-The-Shelf Technology and Its Effect On Tactical Innovations By Terrorist Organizations. Msu-tr. https://www.academia.edu/77470945/Commercial_Off_The_Shelf_Technology_and_Its_Effect_On_Tactical_Innovations_By_Terrorist_Organizations