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The Technology of Terror: Accounting for the Strategic Use of Terrorism

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  • Christopher K. Butler
  • Scott Gates

Abstract

To comprehend why a group would intentionally target civilians, we need to understand why other groups do not. In this chapter, we argue that disgruntled groups face three main choices when addressing their dissatisfaction: suffering a disadvantageous peace, engaging in unconventional warfare, or engaging in conventional warfare. We further disaggregate the choice of unconventional warfare into terrorism and guerrilla warfare. By focusing on asymmetrical aspects of the problem and the strategic interactions between the insurgent group, its complicit public, and the superior force of the state, we disentangle the technology of terror.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher K. Butler & Scott Gates, 2010. "The Technology of Terror: Accounting for the Strategic Use of Terrorism," Economics of Security Working Paper Series 30, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.
  • Handle: RePEc:diw:diweos:diweos30
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    File URL: https://www.diw.de/documents/publikationen/73/diw_01.c.354175.de/diw_econsec0030.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Michael Brzoska & Raphael Bossong & Eric van Um, 2011. "Security Economics in the European Context: Implications of the EUSECON Project," Economics of Security Working Paper Series 58, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.
    2. Eric van Um, 2012. "Why Militant Groups Fight Each Other: The Role of Support, Political Objectives and Revenge," Economics of Security Working Paper Series 64, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.

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