Terrorism: Role Of External State And Non- State Actors
Deepak Malik, LL.M., School of Law,GD Goenka University, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
Dr. Ankita Sharma, Assistant Professor,GD Goenka University, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
ABSTRACT
Terrorism is a multi-faceted form of political violence, which is becoming more cross-border in nature and more dependent on the intermingling and cooperation of states, terrorist groups, criminal groups, individuals and other non-state actors. Terrorist organisations are traditionally recognized as non- state actors, but can at times be influenced by a variety of external sources of finances, weapons, training, intelligence, logistical support, safe havens and political support. In parallel, many terrorist groups have found ways to obtain money and establish their operational autonomy by resorting to extortion, kidnapping for ransom, trafficking and exploitation of natural resources, donations, crime and digital fundraising. This research paper explores the connection between external state actors and non-state actors in terms of development and perpetuation of terrorism. It examines the concepts of state sponsorship, proxy relations, safe havens, terrorist financing and organised crime, as well as the problems such arrangements pose for international security and technology. The paper adopts a qualitative research approach with a secondary data analysis approach, which is supported by secondary sources available in the form of documents from the United Nations, Financial Action Task Force reports, academic literature. The analysis shows that external state support can enhance the resources and strategic options of the terrorist groups, but terrorist groups are not always dependent and passive tools of the states. They have the flexibility to have their own goals and come up with other financing options. To combat terrorism, there is a need for international cooperation, financial intelligence, disruption of criminal networks, accountability of the suppliers of material support and adherence to international law and human rights.
Keywords: Terrorism, State Sponsorship, Non-State Actors, Terrorist Financing, Proxy Warfare, International Security, External Support, Organized Crime, Safe Havens, Counterterrorism.
