http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/crime/2015/03/13/ex-dover-resident-pleads-guilty-terrorism-charges/70303054/
As we continue to study the changing norms which result from globalization, the ability of citizens of a state to identify with terrorist groups around the world seems to be evolving into a worrisome reality. While ISIS/ISIL work to establish a caliphate within the Middle East, individuals around the world have been pledging their allegiance to the radical group. This trend shows the capacity for individuals to utilize the tools of globalization such as the Internet and other digitized networks to support and show their affiliation towards ideological groups removed from the individual's own state or sphere of influence. However, as explored in the case of citizens of the United States who provided material resources and support to ISIS/ISIL, there are consequences to this affiliation. I would argue that this truly exhibits the subjective nature of "terrorism," as one person's freedom fighters and legitimate group is another's terrorism group. While United States citizens are held accountable for supporting groups identified as foreign terrorist organizations, the broad definition of what constitutes a terrorist action is called into question.
The Delaware News Journal is an odd choice, how did you find this?
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think drives these kids to support ISIS? They aren't arabic (though clearly they are muslims) and they aren't necessarily poor. This is probably one of the most important question in assessing the trend you point out above.
I think these "kids" are driven by existential factors. I think it is obvious that ISIS seeks to transcend national and ethnic identities and appeal to anyone who believes in their purpose. I think many social, economic and maybe even philosophical factors have made these men identify with ISIS's goals; and they identify with them because it gives them a strong purpose to their life which they would not have otherwise. If only we could channel that commitment and energy elsewhere.
DeleteProfessor Shirk:
DeleteA coworker of mine from Delaware actually brought it up (mutual acquaintance of some sort), so I looked into the story and found this source. I think that the attraction to ISIS for these kids, as Noah points out, has a lot to do with the ideology and "larger than oneself" identity which ISIS would offer these men.
While the degree to which these men pledge their allegiance to ISIS may be unknown, I think that the fact that they went as far as to plan terrorist attacks in the United States is hefty evidence that the ideals of ISIS are those which they aligned themselves with. The Internet and globalization of ideals made this possible for them.
In the structure vs. agent debate, I tend to lean more towards the structure side. I believe that environment has a lot to do with the reason why people or organizations make decision. I however think that when talking about people who commit acts of terror, as I am hesitant to call people terrorists, the agent or individual really needs to be taken into account. I think this use of globalization to from transnational terror organizations is really taking advantage of the desire that humans have to be part of a group. I'll take for example the group of people known as gamers. They are comprised by people of all races, sexual orientation, genders, and social classes. They all share the love of gaming and there for feel connected. I don't think that once can look at those who commit terror solely through their environment. One must focus on what they find important. I think that for many of these people, they feel isolated and like they don't fit into their current society and organizations like ISIS offer a way to be included. Once accepted into these organizations, they are willing to do almost anything to stay in them.
ReplyDeletevery interesting Grace. It would seem to follow from what you said that by doing this such as singling out people who wear hijabs, blaming terrorism on Islam, racial profiling, or even just assuming that terrorism is something that muslim people do, we in the west are only making the problem worse because it isolates those who may feel some sort of affiliation with ISIS or AQ. Is this fair? Or were you going in a different direction?
DeleteProfessor Shirk and Grace, I think you both pose an interesting argument that terrorist groups or transnational terror organizations are the result of social desires of inclusion. Is it possible that these group identities are polarized even more when we try to pick apart the composition of terrorist groups and their actions? By radicalizing their actions and labeling them as extremists, thus making them outcasts from traditional society, are we heightening their sense of togetherness as an organization or their stratification from society?
DeleteI do believe that it isolates them further. I hate to use the word assimilation because to me, it signifies the erasing of one culture in order to adopt another, but I do believe an assimilation of sorts needs to take place. I think that a dialogue needs to be had between internationals and those who have been living in the countries for long periods of time where both cultures are open to give and take and so they feel as though they are joining as one but still maintain things that they find crucial such as hijabs.
ReplyDeleteGrace I like that you bring up the idea that terrorism is subjective and changes based on where you are as much as individual opinions. I think this ultimately hurts ISIS/ISIL because they will not be able to gain as much support if some states decide that they will begin cracking down on individuals that ultimately support ISIS more than just making statements.
ReplyDeleteMichael, I really support that idea that the classification of a terrorist group is subjective, and dependent on where the group lies and the classification system is. As states such as the US identify ISIL and its affiliates as "terrorists," will these defer individuals who would have originally thought to join from reaching out? Or do you think that ties to ideologies are stronger than fear of repercussion from state government and classification as a terrorist?
DeleteAlso I agree that the environmental and structural factors in place employ a huge draw of recruits into radical organizations such as ISIS. The effects of globalization on the use of technology and the ability to be more mobile in today's society affects the attractiveness of such groups to prospective members. The need to be a part of a global change and seeing drastic change over and over in the media can play in the psychological appeal in recruiting. I think it is interesting in the constant argument between what is considered a "terrorist" group and how it's subjectiveness is often hypocritical in certain definitions of the term by actors.
ReplyDeleteTechnology and it's effect on technology has made it easier for terrorist groups to recruit new members. It enables groups to seem more attractive, breaking down cultural and location barriers that groups may have encountered in the past. It would be interesting to see what would happen if government entities were to pour equal amounts of effort towards media outreach in giving the young people a sense of purpose and unity.
ReplyDeleteAngella, I think that suggesting the ability of governments to reach out and increase political efficacy through media in the way that terrorist groups do is a unique parallel. The cultivation and spread of terrorist ideals through mediums of technology could be beneficial if terrorist ideals were substituted with government ideologies...but does this spread of ideas only work in extreme and radical scenarios?
DeleteAngella, I think that suggesting the ability of governments to reach out and increase political efficacy through media in the way that terrorist groups do is a unique parallel. The cultivation and spread of terrorist ideals through mediums of technology could be beneficial if terrorist ideals were substituted with government ideologies...but does this spread of ideas only work in extreme and radical scenarios?
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