Publication type: Journal Article

Threat Perception, Policy Diffusion, and the Logic of Terrorist Group Designation

Authors: El Masri, Mirna; Phillips, Brian J. Publication year: 2021

Many governments maintain lists of terrorist groups, imposing sanctions on designated organizations. However, the logic behind designation remains unclear. Furthermore, most studies focus on Western countries. This paper develops arguments for why attack attributes, group attributes, and policy diffusion might explain proscription. Empirically, we examine hundreds of militant organizations to see which are listed by the European Union, India, Pakistan, Russia, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Generally, designation does not seem to be driven by target or attack severity. It often results from diffusion: most countries follow the United States. Islamist group motivation is also an important factor.

doi: 10.1080/1057610X.2021.2011711 Open Access
El Masri, Mirna; Phillips, Brian J. (2021): Threat Perception, Policy Diffusion, and the Logic of Terrorist Group Designation. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 1-24. DOI: 10.1080/1057610X.2021.2011711.