CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2015
| Author | Rivezzo, Carly |
|---|---|
| Title | Action and Reaction: The "Islamic State's" Cycle of Violence and U.S. Counter Terror Policy |
| Summary | This thesis examines the relationship between the United States’ counter terrorism policies and the self-proclaimed “Islamic State’s” actions from inception, April 8th, 2013, to present day. The “Islamic State” is unlike any terrorist group seen before due to their sheer size, territorial expansion throughout multiple sovereign states, and level of ideological fervor. By examining this case with an understanding of who the “Islamic State” is and what their goals are, I can suggest counter terror methods for the U.S. based on findings about their current counter terror program. I use two major research strategies: (1) a quantitative analysis of major “Islamic State” events and United States events and their relationship, (2) as well as a descriptive study of the “Islamic State” and how terrorism theories fit their model. Data was collected from primary source documents such as “Islamic State” news bulletins, and videos, but English language news articles were used exclusively for the quantitative data research. Upon testing the data this thesis argues that the current United States’ counter terror program against the “Islamic State” is fundamentally ineffective. They are an organization capable of fighting a guerrilla war on multiple fronts, and the strict air campaign put forth by the United States is not enough. This thesis offers some policy options moving forward based on who the “Islamic State” is, and what their strengths are. |
| Supervisor | Sitter, Nick |
| Department | Public Policy MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2015/rivezzo_carly.pdf |
Visit the CEU Library.
© 2007-2021, Central European University