| ID | 120319 |
| Title Proper | Electoral terrorist |
| Other Title Information | terror groups and democratic participation |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Brathwaite, Robert |
| Publication | 2013. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Why do some terrorist groups participate in the electoral process but not others? If elections provide some strategic or tactical benefit then we would expect other groups to emulate that strategy. However, we see variation in the adoption of an electoral strategy by terrorist groups. I argue that involvement in territorial disputes and group competition determine whether terrorist groups embrace an electoral strategy. Conflicts involving territorial disputes are more likely to see terrorist groups contest elections because electoral participation may aid in the creation of the independent or autonomous territory they desire. Increased group competition changes the number of actors, which impacts the level and distribution of resources (supporters, finance, and arms) involved in the conflict. When multiple terrorist groups compete, groups are motivated to participate in elections in response to new competitive pressures. This argument is tested using a large-n dataset of 89 terrorist groups in existence during the years 1968-2006 and a case study of Hamas's decision to contest elections. |
| `In' analytical Note | Terrorism and Political Violence Vol. 25, No.1; Jan-Mar 2013: p.53-74 |
| Journal Source | Terrorism and Political Violence Vol. 25, No.1; Jan-Mar 2013: p.53-74 |
| Key Words | Elections ; Electoral Strategy ; Hamas ; Political Wing ; Territory ; Terrorism |