Introduction.
In this era of globalization, events in one economy, social, political, and cultural, spiral quickly, and terrorism is not left behind. Criminal, violent, and terrorist groups have perpetually mutated and widened their operations. For instance, most domestic terrorists are linked to transnational terrorists. This essay analyses the relationship between homegrown and international terrorism, and its spread. Also, the paper examines how these affiliations relate to terrorist cells, chain network, and terrorist organization models. A case in point for this essay are suicide bombers. There is a close relationship between domestic and transnational terrorism.
The affiliation between domestic and transnational terrorists.
Domestic terrorism involve group or individual activities directed at the local government or population without foreign influence. On the other hand, transnational terrorist’s activities are directed by foreign groups or states. (“Types of Terrorism – LabCE.com, Laboratory Continuing Education,” n.d.). Most local terrorists like suicide bombers have arose due to foreign funding and philosophies. Terrorists act from a political, ideological, and religious convictions while others are criminals for hire. Some domestic terrorists depend on foreign state sponsorship in their activities. For instance, the National Commission on Terrorism in America listed Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan as terrorism sponsors and imposed sanctions on them. (“Countering the changing threat of international terrorism,” n.d.). Suicide bombing has sparkled attention in transnational terrorist networks for many reasons. The reasons include being tactically effective, having a higher kill ratio, causes a higher psychological impact, cost effective, and pinpoints targets. (“Suicide bombers in Iraq: Questions and answers,” n.d.). For example, Al Qaeda’s religious viewpoint has spread across the world. Through the Al Qaeda network, many citizens in several countries have been radicalized and transformed into domestic suicide bombers. Similarly, suicide bombers are affiliated and funded by other terrorism networks like ISIS, Islam Resistance Movement (Hamas), and Hizbullah of Lebanon, among others. The affiliations between domestic and transnational terrorists are related to the types of terrorist cells, chain network, and terrorist organization models. (“About the listing process,” 2019).
Terrorist cells.
As a strategy, large transnational terror groups divide into smaller semi-independent or entirely free domestic groups in various countries; these are the terrorist cells. They do this to shield themselves from intelligence infiltration and to reduce the risk of disloyalty among members. For example, according to the New York Times, the Somali’s Al Shabab terror group has strong ties to Al Qaeda network. (“Somali terror group al Shabab remains resilient despite setbacks,” 2019). Therefore, if Al Qaeda intends to carry an attack at the horn Africa, it will use a suicide bomber linked to Al Shabab militants.
Terrorism chain networks.
Terror gangs have an established network they use to conduct their activities. For instance, some groups have officially sworn “bayat,” which is an oath of fealty, to AL-Qaeda whose general command is based in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Examples of groups that have publicly pledged allegiance to AL-Qaeda include Al Shabab, Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), and the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI). Notwithstanding the fact that these groups conduct activities in their respective countries, they’re centrally commanded. Therefore, domestic and transnational networks operate closely. (“Global al Qaeda: Affiliates, objectives, and future challenges,” 2018).
Terrorist organization models.
The terrorist organization provides for both centralized and decentralized authority structure. Organizational models are mostly hierarchical and suicide bombers belong to terrorist cells. Whenever an order is given from the leadership, be it foreign, suicide terrorists execute it locally. Some of the structures include the functional, operational, independent, and networked structures; Al Qaeda operates the operational structure. (Nance, 2008, p. 72-74).
The spread of terror outside Al-Qaeda and affiliated states.
Traditionally, Al-Qaeda is known to be dominant in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, and Somalia. However, that’s not the case anymore, its regional affiliates are spread globally and growing in prominence. The groups have spread throughout Middle East, Africa, and jihadists in the rest of the world. (“Exploiting disorder: Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State,” 2018). Innovations in computing and telecommunications and virtual private network (VPN) usage have made it simple for terrorists to recruit and operate. For instance, they can easily inspire and direct attacks remotely. (“Evolving tech, evolving terror,” n.d.).
Conclusion
To fully comprehend the operations of militant groups, a study on how they network globally is critical. Suicide bombers are well coordinated and funded to execute attacks aimed at achieving certain objectives. Domestic and transnational terrorism have strong ties. Also, as technology evolves, terror also advances.
References
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