Shifting Paradigm of Terrorism

In this chapter the author discusses the development of terrorism. Theories of development stages by Rapoport and Kepel are the starting point for a case study analysis. Further, the geopolitical shifts in terrorism are briefly presented and the interconnectivity of various types of threats is signalled (further explored in the subsequent chapter). The model used is the history of the Red Army Faction, which allows not only to present the consecutive stages of radicalisation and then development of the terrorist group, but also the state support the organisation received. The author is looking for similarities between modus operandi of actors in terrorism historically and contemporarily. The analysis leads to the question of whether the Russian Federation should be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism for invading Ukraine. The overview of opinions from the experts’ interviews is presented, along with the author’s recommendations.