Select a terrorist from the options listed below and write an essay about that individual. The goal of this essay is to give you an opportunity to become familiar with a well-known radical extremist and to critically assess that person’s activities. A second goal is to give you the chance to put yourself in that person’s shoes and to think creatively about alternative violent strategies. Lastly, this assignment incorporates key concepts covered in the course materials and gives me an opportunity to assess your familiarity with these concepts. I strongly encourage you to review the lectures and readings to ensure that you are presenting a scholarly perspective informed by the course content. You should answer the following questions:
Briefly summarize the individual’s life (this may include place of birth, education, family background, social activities, etc.). Your summary should not exceed two pages.
Using your definition from the beginning of the semester, determine whether this person is a terrorist and defend your determination. The definition of terrorism to use is: 1. The Intentional use of violence or threat, 2. not carried out on orders from government to sub-state actors(aka military personal), 3. intended target must be non-combatants(aka not against active military persons, that would be insurgency), the terrorist has political, social or economic goals. and the the message is intended for a larger audience beyond just the target.
Describe what is known about the radicalization process for this person. Discuss applicable mechanisms and models of radicalization in your essay. Be detailed and critical in your analysis.
What were this person’s goals? When applicable, consider both personal and group goals, relevant theories, etc. What tactics did the person use? Targets? When discussing each of these items, tie them back to terrorism trends in general (e.g., are the offender’s choices unique or do they reflect more traditional goals and methods, etc.?).
In your opinion, did this person succeed or fail in achieving her/his goals? (Please note you will need to describe what you mean by “succeed”). Make sure to discuss both short- and long-term goals and provide evidence to support your position.
Select, describe, and defend a new strategy that you think may have been more effective in achieving the individual’s goals. (Please note you will need to describe what you mean by “effective”). Why do you think this is an effective strategy? What are some potential shortcomings of this strategy?
Be as detailed as possible in your essay. Incorporate key concepts covered in this course and present examples to support your arguments. I also encourage you to use subheadings and to ensure that you are fully addressing each assignment prompt.
James J. Lee
Eden Natan-Zada
Samantha Louise Lewthwaite
Anders Behring Breivik
John Allen Muhammad
Maryam Sharipova
Tamerlan or Dzhokhar Tsarnaev (pick one not both)
