POLS340 Kilcullen (2009)

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Questions and Answers

What is essential for analyzing the transformation of a particular group?

International collaboration among states

Criteria that distinguish one situation from another (correct)

Involvement of armed non-state actors

A comprehensive legal framework

Which of the following best defines fragile statehood?

States with severe deficits in governance and key functions (correct)

States that have completely failed or collapsed

States characterized by strong governance and legitimacy

States with a stable bureaucracy and international support

What are the three basic state functions mentioned in relation to statehood?

Legitimacy, rule of law, and economic growth

Governance, democracy, and security

Crisis management, international relations, and public health

Security, welfare, and legitimacy/rule of law (correct)

What role does the state have in ensuring the security of its citizens?

Defending against external security threats and maintaining internal order Signup and view all the answers

What conceptual focus does the term 'statehood' emphasize?

Core state functions and the political decision-making process Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the forces set up by warlords?

To ensure self-defense and deter internal rivals Signup and view all the answers

How do warlords typically secure their power?

Using private armies and exploiting resources Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common tactic used by terrorist organizations?

Performing suicide attacks and sabotage Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of the organizational structure of many terrorist groups?

Hierarchical structure with command levels Signup and view all the answers

What motivates criminals operating in mafia-type structures?

Engaging in illegal activities for profit Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential target for terrorist attacks?

Military sites Signup and view all the answers

In the context of warlords, what do they often do after a combat activity has ended?

Run for public office to legalize their gains Signup and view all the answers

Which ideology is NOT typically associated with terrorist groups?

Philosophical idealism Signup and view all the answers

Which warlord is known for assuming a high-ranking political position in Liberia?

Charles Taylor Signup and view all the answers

What type of phenomenon is terrorism described as in the given content?

A global phenomenon Signup and view all the answers

Which group is NOT listed as a classical terrorist organization?

Al-Qaeda Signup and view all the answers

In regards to organized crime, which of the following sources discusses illicit markets?

Williams, P. Signup and view all the answers

What are private military and security companies commonly associated with?

The privatization of war Signup and view all the answers

What kind of states does the concept of fragile statehood relate to?

States facing security and developmental issues Signup and view all the answers

Which author discusses the challenges of 'new wars' and their economic implications?

Heupel, M. Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is associated with the conflict in the Basque region?

Basque ETA Signup and view all the answers

What role do marauders often play in conflicts according to the provided information?

They act as auxiliaries for armed forces or political movements. Signup and view all the answers

How do many armed non-state actors view the distinction between combatants and non-combatants?

They see the distinction as largely irrelevant. Signup and view all the answers

What trend has emerged in conflicts since the 1990s regarding armed groups?

The process of transnationalisation among armed groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic behavior of classical rebel or guerrilla movements compared to marauders?

They avoid excessive violence against civilians. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of transnationalisation on armed groups' economic activities?

It links war economies to global shadow markets. Signup and view all the answers

What has been the shift regarding the civilian population in contemporary conflicts?

Civilians have become the primary targets of armed actors. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the operation of rebel groups from that of clan chiefs and marauders?

Rebel groups utilize transnational networks more extensively. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of fragmenting armed groups according to the discussed strategies?

To create more radical splinter groups Signup and view all the answers

How do armed non-state actors generally treat representatives of the state apparatus?

They often label them as combatants. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a coercive measure utilized by international actors?

Diplomatic negotiations Signup and view all the answers

What risk does the strategy of coercion imply for the international community?

Potential backlashes and failures in efforts Signup and view all the answers

Why is sustained international support for state-building processes often challenging?

The UN Security Council prioritizes new crises over ongoing efforts Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential downside of coercive measures mentioned in the strategies?

They may harm the interests of non-state actors Signup and view all the answers

What kind of actors can be harmed by international sanctions as mentioned in the strategies?

Non-state actors including warlords and rebel leaders Signup and view all the answers

How can armed non-state actors change their strategies according to the discussed processes?

Through experiences of collective learning over time. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the international community need to be willing to invest in when dealing with armed non-state actors?

Political capital, resources, and time Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of involving leading figures of armed groups in a political process?

Formation of more extreme splinter groups Signup and view all the answers

What is a controversial strategy to induce cooperation among spoilers?

Offering material incentives such as economic resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of granting amnesty to armed non-state actors?

To incentivize them to end their violent behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy aims to isolate armed non-state actors from their potential supporters?

Containment and marginalisation. Signup and view all the answers

Who might show receptiveness to bribery as a strategy?

Profit-driven actors like warlords. Signup and view all the answers

Which context may amnesty be part of when applied to non-state actors?

A larger political package addressing broader issues. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic do bribes possess in the context of peace-building processes?

They may be essential for initiating peace processes. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'spoilers' refer to in the context discussed?

Individuals seeking power through violence. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fragile Statehood

Fragile states have difficulty fulfilling their domestic and international roles
They undermine global and national governance, causing issues at a local, regional, and global levels
Post-colonial and post-Soviet states often struggle with providing basic public services and responsibilities
Fragile statehood was previously considered a local issue, largely handled by development experts and agencies
The September 11th attacks shifted the focus to security, highlighting the potential for local problems to become global risks

Armed Non-State Actors

Armed non-state actors (ANSAs) use violence to achieve goals, are not part of official state institutions, and can be supported by state actors
ANSAs can be classified into different types based on their characteristics
- Rebels/Guerrilla fighters: seek "liberation," overthrowing the government, or ending occupations
- Militias/Paramilitaries: defend an existing regime, often engaging in human rights violations
- Clan chiefs/Big men: traditional local authorities, often controlling territory
- Warlords: local potentates gaining power through armed forces after conflict, frequently exploiting resources
- Terrorists: use violence to promote political goals, often organised in networks
- Criminals/Syndicates: engage in illegal activities like robbery, fraud, etc. in order to profit
- Mercenaries/Private Security Agencies: contract soldiers/companies hired for combat or tasks

Typology of Armed Non-State Actors

Key characteristics distinguishing types of ANSAs include:
- Territorial aspirations: Some aim to control territory, others aren't territorially motivated
- Violence: Rebels and guerrilla fighters use physical violence, whereas terrorists use psychological violence, etc.
- Motivation: Greed vs. grievance—some are motivated primarily by economic gain, others by socio-political grievances
These characteristics inform how ANSAs interact with fragile states

Security Governance Issues in Fragile States

Weak governance structures lead to transnational security problems
Failure in basic state functions (security, welfare, legitimacy) allows ANSAs to exploit the situation
ANSAs challenge the state's monopoly on violence, affecting local security governance
Fragile states are a source of, or susceptible to, global security issues
Transnationalisation and global networks allow ANSAs to operate across borders

Dealing with Armed Non-State Actors

Strategies for managing ANSAs include:
- Negotiating political settlements
- Socialization (integrating actors into norms and rules)
- Bribery/Amnesty
- Containment/Marginalisation
- Enforcing internal splits
- Coercion (military force)
The challenge lies in finding strategies that address the issue without reinforcing ANSAs' power or undermining the overall process of state-building

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Description

Test your knowledge on the concept of statehood and the factors contributing to fragile statehood. This quiz explores essential functions of the state, its role in citizen security, and the transformation of groups within state frameworks.