Masters Thesis

International Terrorist Organizations

Abstract The development of non-state actors in international relations has continued to threaten the state-centric international systems. The phenomenon is changing the mode of international relations, as these organizations force modifications in the concepts of nationalism and sovereignty of states. These dynamics are influencing the traditional role of nations as the predominant international relations actors. However, although the roles played by non-state actors in international relations continue to stir major debates across the globe, there are different perspectives on the topic; the realist and liberalist views. While realists overlook the role played by the domestic actors in international relations, liberals pay attention to the actions and interests of individuals and groups within a state and contend that individuals have interests worthy of consideration that are different from that of government leaders (Chaudhry, 2013). The topic of non-state actors is related to the study of terrorism that remains a top national security agenda across different nations and is considered the most significant security challenge of the century. The effects of terrorism on states, however, vary with some perspectives arguing that the prevailing concerns with terrorism are out of proportion to the actual threats. On the other hand, other quarters perceive terrorism as having the most far-reaching and wide-ranging consequences. Thus, in view of these diverse perspectives, it is clear that international terrorists posit different challenges to states with effects that vary according to the type of state. Therefore, this thesis aims to explore the influence of international terrorism in the world politics. It will analyze the case of Russia and Syria and deduce the extent of influence ISIS caliphate has of these two distinct states. Through the case study, it will be possible to understand the mandatory requirements in the war against ISIS and international terrorism and gauge the conditions that create fertile ground for terrorists to thrive in a given place.

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