Byman (2008) begins his article in discussing the lack of research pertaining to ethnic terrorism. Ethnic terrorism differs from other types of terrorism as it focuses on “ethnic identity and fosters ethnic mobilization” (p. 150). Ethnic terrorists have an already established audience with a shared sense of values or history. The incorporation of these values or shared history may serve as a motivating factor to gain financial support, sympathizers or new members. In this sense, I believe that ethnic terrorism may be one of the deadliest types of terrorism. My belief is heavily rooted in the fact that there is a set audience, sharing similar values that can easily be encouraged by unfair or discriminatory practices that have occurred throughout history. The similar elements ethnic terrorists have compared to other forms of terrorists further demonstrate my beliefs that this type of terrorism may be more deadly than others. Similar to other forms of terrorism, ethnic terrorism attempts to motivate or influence hostile regions or governments. Furthermore, ethnic terrorism, like other forms of terrorism, attempts to draw attention to their cause and sustain funding.
Although there are similar elements between religious terrorism and ethnic terrorism, they are two separate things. Byman (2008) addresses that distinctions between the two are often “blurred in practice” (p. 151). In a sense, I concur that the two can be separate entities. Yet, as Byman addresses, religious terrorist groups can evolve into ethnic terrorist groups. Byman demonstrates this in using the example of Hezbollah. Despite Byman’s argument, I believe that ethnic terrorism and religious terrorism, in some situations, can be used interchangeably. This is further evident when Byman stated, “ethnic terrorists have an advantage over other terrorists: their agenda usually has some resonance with a preexisting, well-defined group of people” (p. 8). This argument could easily be applied to religious terrorists in simply looking at the Jewish-Arab conflict that has continued to evolve over the past few decades. In a sense, it could be argued the pre-existing, well-defined conflict was the creation of Israel. Although not every religious terrorist organization could meet the definition of an ethnic terrorist group; in some situations, I believe the two have the same attributes.
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Measures taken against ethnic terrorism are often complicated. The employment of interventions sought to target ethnic terrorists often punish innocent individuals (Byman, 2008). As a result of these methods, innocent individuals may be more inclined to sympathize or join ethnic terrorist groups. However, efforts made to condemn ethnic terrorists occurring in the region may disgrace the ethnic group and question the leader’s interpretation of the population’s desires. Yet rewarding ethnic terrorism is also problematic, as it rewards violence. Furthermore, the prospect of governments rewarding ethnic terrorism may further be negatively received internationally. In exploring how a government could deal with ethnic terrorism, I believe there are no good options. On one hand, the government is usually perceived as a representation of the people. Therefore, turning against the people would be negatively received domestically. Furthermore, it may motivate ethnic terrorists to turn against the government. In contrast, support ethnic terrorism could result in an array of international actions that could jeopardize the future of the country. As a result, I believe the best way to handle ethnic terrorism would be to increase opportunities domestically that would minimize inequalities.
After reviewing Byman’s article, I believe one of the most difficult attributes of a terrorist group is the ability to maintain it. In applying this to ethnic terrorism, it could be argued that the shared history, values and ethnicity make it easy to find members. However, determining how the terrorist organization should move forward is difficult. Furthermore, the ideologies of the group may change overtime. Byman (2008) concurs with this assessment in stating, “at times group maintenance becomes the primary goal of an ethnic terrorist group, subsuming even its identity-strengthening agenda” (p. 158).
- Byman D. (2008) The logic of ethnic terrorism. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism 21 (2) 149-169.
