Theorizing the expansion of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria

This research investigates the dramatic expansion of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria in the last few years. Militant activity has expanded in terms of frequency and severity of attacks, geographic scope, target selection, and strategies used. The evolution of the group and the trajectory of vio...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Weeraratne, Suranjan (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2017
In: Terrorism and political violence
Year: 2017, Volume: 29, Issue: 4, Pages: 610-634
Online Access: Volltext (Resolving-System)
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Keywords:
Boko Haram
Insurgency
Islamists
Jihad
Terrorism
Description
Summary:This research investigates the dramatic expansion of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria in the last few years. Militant activity has expanded in terms of frequency and severity of attacks, geographic scope, target selection, and strategies used. The evolution of the group and the trajectory of violence are best explained through four overlapping theoretical strands. These include the growing fragmentation of the movement, development of strategic ties with Al Qaeda affiliates, strong-armed counterterrorism operations that further radicalized the movement, and exploitation of the porous border area that separates Nigeria from its northern neighbors.
Item Description:Gesehen am 23.11.2023
Published online: 19 Mar 2015
Physical Description:Illustrationen
ISSN:1556-1836
DOI:10.1080/09546553.2015.1005742