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    Creeds of Death: The Impact of Ideology on Terrorist Organization Lethality

    Cover for Creeds of Death: The Impact of Ideology on Terrorist Organization Lethality
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    Creator
    Levy, Ido
    Advisor
    Kern, Andreas
    Abstract
    Few empirical studies examine the relationship between ideology and lethality among terrorist organizations. In this paper, I test how ideological affiliation may affect a terrorist organization’s overall lethality. I theorize that jihadist groups are relatively more lethal than other groups because jihadist ideologies promote more abstract goals, stronger intragroup cohesion, and higher intergroup affinity. In particular, I hypothesize to find jihadist groups are, on average, more lethal than non-jihadist groups, and that among jihadist groups, apocalyptic groups are most lethal. Using data from the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) and Revolutionary and Militant Organizations dataset (REVMOD) on two samples of terrorist organizations, I find evidence supporting my theoretical claims. Jihadist groups are more lethal than non-jihadist groups. Further, my findings indicate that use of suicide terrorism largely accounts for higher jihadist lethality. From a policy perspective, my findings suggest counterterrorism efforts should continue focusing on combating jihadist groups and increase attention to countering suicide attacks. Terrorist group ideology requires more scrutiny in assessing attack outcomes.
    Description
    M.P.P.
    Permanent Link
    http://hdl.handle.net/10822/1059636
    Date Published
    2020
    Subject
    Ideology; Islamic State; Jihadist; Lethality; Suicide Bombing; Terrorism; Public policy; Public policy;
    Type
    thesis
    Embargo Lift Date
    2022-06-30
    Publisher
    Georgetown University
    Extent
    46 leaves
    Collections
    • Graduate Theses and Dissertations - Public Policy
    Metadata
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    Georgetown University Seal
    ©2009 - 2023 Georgetown University Library
    37th & O Streets NW
    Washington DC 20057-1174
    202.687.7385
    digitalscholarship@georgetown.edu
    Accessibility