Who Gets Designated a Terrorist and Why?

Social Forces, 2013, vol 91, no 3

29 Pages Posted: 8 Nov 2013

See all articles by Colin Beck

Colin Beck

Claremont Colleges - Pomona College

Emily Miner

Claremont Colleges - Pomona College

Date Written: March 1, 2013

Abstract

This study examines formal terrorism designations by governments through the lens of organization studies research on categorization processes. It is argued that designations hinge on markers from the organizational profile of a militant group. Using cross-sectional data on militant organizations and designations by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, multivariate analyses find that listed organizations do not merely have a track record of violence against a government’s citizens, but tend to target aviation and have an Islamic ideological basis. Mixed support for geo-political factors is found, but imageries of hegemonic interest are not confirmed. Secondary analyses suggest that newer images of terrorism may replace older ones in classification schemes but further research is needed to know whether this is due to policy adaptation or the impact of spectacular events like September 11th.

Keywords: terrorism, counterterrorism, organizations

Suggested Citation

Beck, Colin and Miner, Emily, Who Gets Designated a Terrorist and Why? (March 1, 2013). Social Forces, 2013, vol 91, no 3, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2351400

Colin Beck (Contact Author)

Claremont Colleges - Pomona College ( email )

Claremont, CA 91711
United States

Emily Miner

Claremont Colleges - Pomona College

Claremont, CA 91711
United States

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