Contextualizing the Political Tactics Motivating Global Terrorism: A Comparative Analysis of Boko Haram and ISIS

Abstract

This paper provides a comparative analysis of the political tactics motivating global terrorism, with a focus on Boko Haram and ISIS. It challenges the conventional belief that ideology and poverty are the primary drivers of global terrorism, arguing instead that the ambition to establish Islamic caliphates and exert political and economic control is the main motivation for terrorism across the world. The study examines the interconnectedness of terrorist networks across regions and the impact of globalization on their activities. It addresses key objectives including defining contemporary terrorism, identifying its root causes, comparing the operational strategies of Boko Haram and ISIS, and exploring the implications for global security. The paper also reviews the literature on political strategies driving global terrorism and theoretical explanations for its causes. It concludes with a discussion on the purposes of terrorism, including provocation, polarization, mobilization, and compellence, and the effectiveness of these tactics in achieving terrorist goals.