| ID | 097783 |
| Title Proper | State weakness and vacuum of power in Lebanon |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Atzili, Boaz |
| Publication | 2010. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The conventional wisdom is that weak and failed states are at great risk of becoming havens for transnational terrorist and guerilla groups. The assumption is that lack of enforcement capabilities enables militant organizations to infiltrate and fill the "vacuum of power" that is created in the absence of a strong state. This article argues, though, that this is only one of the ways in which weak states are attractive to militant groups. It explores the various mechanisms through which the vacuum of power translates into opportunities for such groups. These mechanisms include the easiness of acquiring support and recruitment within refugees or marginalized populations; the ability of the violent non-state transnational organization to establish a "surrogate state" in supplying institutions and services that enhance its public appeal; the relations between civil or communal conflict and the success of such groups; and the use of transnational violent groups as proxies for other states. Using the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and Hezbollah in Lebanon as the primary cases, as well as two mini-cases from Central America and Africa, the paper illustrates the working of these mechanisms and contributes to our understanding of the relations between state weakness and transnational violent non-state organizations. |
| `In' analytical Note | Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Vol. 33, No. 8; Aug 2010: p. 757 - 782 |
| Journal Source | Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Vol. 33, No. 8; Aug 2010: p. 757 - 782 |
| Key Words | State Weakness ; Vacuum of Power ; Lebanon ; Transnational Terrorist ; Guerilla Groups ; Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) |