Deterring violent non-state actors: dilemmas and implications

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to address the limitations of classical deterrence theory in dealing with violent non-state actors (VNSAs). Design/methodology/approach The study uses qualitative methods. Findings It suggests that two measures must be applied; the first one is to rephrase the assumptions of the theory towards a broader definition. The second one is to theorize certain approaches for deterring VNSAs which shall remain a key component in, but not the cornerstone of, national security strategies. Originality/value In the aftermath of 9/11 attacks and US war on terrorism, the need arose to “revisit” the “Deterrence Theory” to address several changes such as rogue states, cyber threats and VNSAs, especially after the end of the Cold War, when the theory was originally developed. The recent research on VNSAs relates to the fourth wave of deterrence, which highlights its proper role in a new security environment.

The Dilemma between Human Security and State Sovereignty in the light of Arab revolutions in MENA: Libya as a case study

“…Meanwhile, due to the transnational nature and the existence of goal incompatibilities, It is difficult to fight these groups with traditional strategies of deterrence without a complete understanding of their intentions, because it becomes an insecure adventure that may be a direct cause to the persistence of force to erode confidence in the legitimacy and credibility of states by undermining their ability to fully exercise their sovereignty over their territories and to protect their citizens. (Elbahy, 2019) Migration: being one of the ancient phenomena in the mankind history, the migration played a great role in building many countries and enriching the humanity through the transfer of civilizations and the integration of cultures, but it has turned, in the twenty-first century, to be a real problem and became a socioeconomic burden that worries many politicians in Western countries. The growing number of economic, social, and political problems in many developing countries led to the increase of the number of international migrants around the world from 173 million in 2000 to 258 million in 2017 (Petricevic, 2018).…”