17.919 - 2004.01.16
Handout: Terrorist strategies



7x Terrorist Strategies


Coercion
Terrorists attack state State capitulates


Decapitation
Terrorists destroy or kill a state's top administration State collapses


Indirect Action
Terrorists attack state State becomes repressive Population rallies to terrorists


Outside Intervention
Terrorists attack state State becomes repressive Outside power(s) intervene to curb repression


Demonstrate State Weakness
Terrorists attack state Population 'discovers' state's weakness Population rallies to terrorists


Armed Propaganda
Terrorists attack dramatic or symbolic targets Media pursues the story Terrorists diffuse their message via a communiqué or a demand


Social Control
Terrorists attack state administrators, collaborators, and civilians who don't accept terrorist administration Civilians forced to accept terrorist administration Terrorists mobilize greater resources and intensify struggle



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