Too Violent To Succeed? A Quantitative Analysis of the Effects of Categorical Terrorism on Armed Non-State Actor Success in Civil War

Authors

Douglas Chapman, The College of WoosterFollow

Abstract

Does the direct targeting of civilians and non-combatants have any affect on the likelihood of success in civil war? While this tactic, known as categorical terrorism, constitutes severe war crimes, it is nonetheless employed by armed non-state actors in countless conflicts around the world. Using a series of eight models, this study seeks to understand the impact, if any, categorical terrorism has on the likelihood of success for armed non-state actors. Using a large-N analysis of every civil war that has taken place between 1970 and 2003, this study seeks to accomplish two objectives: to understand how categorical terrorism influences civil war outcomes and to provide information that will hopefully lead to proactive policy measures aimed at protecting civilians and non-combatants.

Advisor

Leiby, Michele

Second Advisor

N’Diaye, Boubacar

Department

International Relations

Recommended Citation

Chapman, Douglas, "Too Violent To Succeed? A Quantitative Analysis of the Effects of Categorical Terrorism on Armed Non-State Actor Success in Civil War" (2014). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 6001.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/6001

Disciplines

International Relations | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Publication Date

2014

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis