Terrorism and Non-state Armed Groups

Arafat offers an in-depth analysis of terrorism and non-state armed groups in the MENA region. Focusing on “terrorism and non-state armed groups in the MENA region,” this chapter draws attention to the definition of terrorism, terrorist typologies and trends, the root causes and motivations of terrorism, the phenomenon of foreign fighters, the political economy of terrorism and terrorism financing, the economic cost of terrorism, and MENA counterterrorist strategies. Arafat also explores two case studies of global terrorist groups: al-Qaeda and ISIS. “Terrorism and Non-State Armed Groups” concludes that the MENA region is now at the epicentre of terrorism, driven by Sunni Islamist extremism such as al-Qaeda and ISIS. To prevent terrorism, the region should focus on poverty and inequality reduction, economic insecurity, religious extremism, addressing recruitment strategies and motivations, and promoting social and economic participation.