TABLE OF CONTENT
Title Page – – – – – – – – – i
Declaration – – – – – – – – – ii
Certification – – – – – – – – – iii
Dedication – – – – – – – – – iv
Acknowledgement – – – – – – – – v
Abstract – – – – – – – – – vi
Table of Contents – – – – – – – – vii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study – – – – – – 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem – – – – – – 2
1.3 Research Questions – – – – – – – 3
1.4 Objectives of the Study – – – – – – 3
1.5 Research Hypotheses – – – – – – – 4
1.6 Significance of the Study – – – – – – 4
1.7 Scope of the Study – – – – – – – 5
1.8 Limitation of the Study – – – – – – 5
1.9 Definition of Terms – – – – – – – 5
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction – – – – – – – – 7
2.1 Conceptual Framework – – – – – – 7
2.2 Review of Related Literature – – – – – – 9
2.2.1 Political History of Syria and Remote Causes of Conflict – – 13
2.3 Theoretical Framework – – – – – – 22
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction – – – – – – – – 25
3.2 Research Design – – – – – – – 25
3.3 Population of the Study – – – – – – 25
3.4 Selection of Sample/Sampling Technique – – – – 25
3.5 Sources of Data Collection – – – – – – 26
3.6 Methods of Data Collection – – – – – – 26
3.7 Method of Data Analysis – – – – – – 26
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction – – – – – – – – 27
4.2 Brief History of United Nations Maintenance of World Peace – 27
4.3 Evaluation and Proof of Hypotheses – – – – – 28
4.3.1 Hypothesis One – – – – – – – 28
4.3.2 Hypothesis Two – – – – – – – 28
4.3.3 Hypotheses Three – – – – – – – 29
4.4 Summary/Discussion of Findings – – – – – 30
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary – – – – – – – – 31
5.2 Conclusion – – – – – – – – 32
5.3 Recommendations – – – – – – – 33
5.4 Suggestions for Further Research – – – – – 34
Bibliography
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
In recent years, the world has become increasingly aware of the terrorist activities that have been taking place and their impacts on the lives of people as well as the social, economic, and political stability of nations. The negative impacts of terrorism in the world can no longer be underestimated and their understanding has never been more important than it has become, especially after September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. Terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of many people, destroying property worth millions of dollars (Drakos, et.al 2003). Industries have been decimated and countries have cautioned their citizens against visiting terrorist destinations that have been associated with terrorist, which harms the entire industry.
Terrorism is defined as a calculated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by sub national groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), cited in Freilich, et al., (2009: 450) defines terrorism as “the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.” Terrorism is violence or threat of violence calculated to create an atmosphere of fear or alarm and thereby bring about some social and political changes. This definition is in line with the explanation offered by Burton (1967), a South American Jurist more than 30 years ago. According to him “Terrorism consists of acts that can be classified as classic-crimes, murder, arson, the use of explosives, but that differ from classic crimes in that they are excited with the deliberate intention of causing panic and terror within an arranged or organized society” (Burton, 1967:89). It was also defined by the Terrorism Research Center as “the systematic use of physical violence against non combatants but with an audience greater than the immediate victim in mind to create a general climate of fear in a large population in order to affect some kind of political and social changes” (Andreani, 2004:79).
Although from the above definitions, it can be rightly concluded that there is no precise or widely accepted definition of the concept of terrorism. It is generally believed that terrorism is the use of covert violent actions in order to achieve certain objectives. It is a form of covert attack directed at targets that are outside a certain range of clearly military targets. Though the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington DC constitute a prime case, most terrorist attacks are aimed at domestic regimes or other targets within the terrorist own country.
Terrorism is not new on the world stage. Northern Ireland had been dealing with terrorists for more than forty years, Israel with Palestinian terrorists for much the same period and Spain with Basque terrorists. Although the use of terrorism as a political tool extends far back into history, recent decades have seen a rise in the practice for several reasons. One is the overwhelming advantage in weapons that governments usually have over dissident groups. Because many governments are armed with aircraft and other high tech weapons that are unavailable to opposition forces, it has often become nearly suicidal for armed dissidents to use conventional tactics.
Second, terrorists’ targets are now more readily available than in the past: people are more concentrated in urban areas and even in large buildings; there are countless airline flights, and more and more people travel abroad. Third, the mass availability of instant visual news through television and satellite communications makes it easy for terrorists to gain an audience. This is important because terrorism is not usually directed at its victims as such; rather it is intended to frighten others. Fourth, technology has led to the creation of increasingly lethal weapons that terrorists can use to kill and injure large numbers of people. These technological “advances” include biological, chemical, nuclear, and radiological weapons. Terrorist attacks are relatively regular events. In 2000, there were 423 international terrorist attacks – many of these carried out across national borders and there were many other incidents of domestic terrorism (Angela, et.al, 2006).
1.2 Statement of the Research Problem
The problem of terrorism and global security has become substantial points of contention in putting in place foreign policy of nations across the globe. Recent researches have revealed that such challenges as social, economic, political and technological factors that spin around the hub of global security matters have been seriously undermined by dangerous acts of terrorism. This is because terrorism poses an alarming kind of violence and threat in the contemporary world, which constitutes great hindrance to free flow of the relationship that exist amongst nations. In Syria for instance, the cause of terrorism ranges from religious extremism, perceived oppression and nationalist separatist or ethnic considerations that no doubt have greatly impacted on the global security (Baylis, et. al., 1997).
Having established the level of awareness that has been created and the increasing concern on the impacts of terrorism, the issues affecting the future of our security needs to be resolved by all means necessary. This resolution can only begin with the understanding of just precisely how terrorism impacts on security, with particular attention on Syria, which has been one of the most vulnerable destinations. It is a common knowledge that most of the conflicts in the world today centres around boundary disputes between people that were formally under one geographical expression but which have now been split into two or more different political units by colonial imperialist. The deepening of Syria’s crisis that made both pro and anti-regime light of the Syria, has been a notable feature in the international system.
Terrorism has been a big problem Syria has faced this recent years. Terrorism in Syria has a long history dating from the Islamist uprising in the early 80s and to the ongoing Syrian Civil War which started in 2011. The civil war has witnessed the rise of radical Islamist groups such as ISIL, al-Nusra and other al-Qaeda affiliated groups. Public discontent started in Syria in 2011 caused by the endless political squabbles, corruption and authoritarian style rule by President Basher al-Assad. The Assad presided over a system that was not just autocratic but non-democratic enriching many urban scenes and Christians as well as Muslims. As the 2011 uprising turned to civil war, many members of minority groups remained loyal to the regime, but so too did some Souris, fearing revenge if opposition forces were to take Damascus. The idea of collective security was informed by the underlying assumption that for an arsonist to set fire to a building, it is in the best interest of all parties to join efforts and put it off. The terrorism in Syria has affected the foreign policy of other nations towards Syria.
One of the glaring effects of terrorism on Syrian relations is that most countries do not look at Syria as a serious minded nation to establish an economic agreement with. Hence most acts of terrorism have often times been politicized and facts distorted by government officials for personal gains. Apart from the economic effects of terrorism, the psyche of Syrians has also been affected in their everyday life as visiting public places have become dreadful. The productivity ratio of the citizenry has also been reduced which has limited the country’s growth and development. Many Syrians are now suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders as a result of terrorist acts that have affected them psychologically. Against this background, the study was set out to examine terrorism and global security in the 21st century with particular reference to Syria.
1.3 Research Questions
What are the impacts of terrorist activities on the security of Syria?
What dangers do terrorism pose to the development of Syria?
What measures have the Syrian government taken to pre-empt the expansion and continued threats of terrorist to lives and property?
What are the ways to reduce the menace of terrorism in Syria and the world at large?
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The general objective of this study is to examine terrorism and global security in the 21st century using Syria as a case study. More specifically, the study seeks:
To analyze the impact of terrorist activities on the security of Syria.
To evaluate the danger of terrorism to the development of Syria.
To evaluate the measures taken by Syrian government to forestall its expansion and continued threats to lives and property.
To suggest some remedial measures for the management of conflict in Syria and other nations of the world.
1.5 Research Hypotheses
- Terrorism is likely to have serious implications on the security of Syria.
- Terrorism tends to have an adverse effect on the development of Syria.
- The government of Syria have likely not taken considerable measures to forestall the expansion and continued threats of terrorism.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is very significant in the light of growing concern for international peace and security. It is hoped that the outcome of this study will pin point the negative impact of terrorism on global security, which no doubt has so far affected the peace and stability of the international community. It will present in a precise manner, the threats of terrorism to security in Syria and the world at large. It is believed that the findings of this research work will provide detailed information on how to tackle the issue of terrorism in Syria. It is also expected that the study will be of benefit to all the citizens of Syria, as it will create awareness of the implication of terrorism in the development of a nation.
The study would also benefit students, researchers and scholars who are interested in developing further studies on the subject matter by being a source of relevant literature.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study centers on terrorism and global security in the 21st century using Syria as a case study.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
Financial constraint constituted a limitation to this study. Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information.
Time constraint was another impediment to the study. The researcher simultaneously engaged in this study with other academic work. This consequently cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Terrorism: Is a calculated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by sub-national groups or secret agents, usually intended to influence an audience.
Global Security: Global security consists of the measures taken by nations and international organizations, such as the United Nations, to ensure mutual survival and safety. These measures include military action and diplomatic agreements such as treaties and conventions.
Security: in this context is the guarantee given to the citizen or alliance by a government to ensure peace and safety of life and properties in a particular country.
Conflict: Is a phenomenon that is an important part of human existence. Conflict is a situation in which people and group of countries are involved in a serious disagreement or argument. Conflict can either be constructive (positive) or destructive (negative).
Politics: The struggle for power which itself is the authority to determine or formulate and execute decisions and policies, which must be accepted by the society.
War: This refers to armed conflict between two or more parties or nations usually fought for political ends.
