Exploration and Explanation of Variations in Efficacy between Self-identified Religious Terrorist Organizations and Secular Terrorist Organizations
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Date
2025-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
This thesis examines the relationship between religious ideology and the effectiveness of terrorist organizations, assessing whether groups that incorporate religious frameworks into their objectives, structures, and leadership are more or less effective than their secular counterparts. Effectiveness is measured using a framework adapted from Risa Brooks' (2007) Creating Military Power: The Sources of Military Effectiveness, which evaluates military systems based on integration, responsiveness, quality, and skill (Brooks, 2007). To investigate the relationship between religious affiliation and effectiveness, a comparative case study approach is applied to four terrorist organizations: two with explicitly religious identification - the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Al Qaeda - and two with no explicit religious identification - the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Irish Republican Army (IRA). By analyzing these organizations' structures, ideological commitments, strategic adaptations, and operational outcomes, this study seeks to determine whether religious ideology plays a significant role in shaping terrorist group effectiveness.
Findings suggest that religiously self-affiliated groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS often face limitations in adaptability due to their rigid ideological frameworks, hindering their long-term success. In contrast, secular or nationalist groups exhibit greater flexibility, which allows them to adjust strategies and engage in political negotiations, leading to more sustainable outcomes. Ultimately, while religious self-identification can enhance group cohesion and commitment, it also reinforces inflexibility, making it a liability for organizations seeking to maintain operational success over time. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the balance between ideological commitment and strategic adaptability for both counterterrorism efforts and the long-term sustainability of terrorist organizations.
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Keywords
Terrorism, Religion, International Relations, Counterterrorism, Effectiveness