A consortium of researchers dedicated to improving the understanding of the human causes and consequences of terrorism

Regime Types and Terrorism

Abstract:

Regime type has opposing effects on terrorism. If a regime constrains the executive branch, then terrorism may be more prevalent. If, however, a regime allows all viewpoints to be represented, then grievances may be held in check, resulting in less terrorism. Regimes that value constituents’ lives and property will also act to limit attacks. We formulate a game-theoretic model, containing a terrorist group and targeted government, that captures these opposing forces and supports a nonlinear relationship between regime type and terrorism. This model indicates how diverse samples in the literature can result in different relationships between regime type and terrorism. Seldom does it support the positive relationship that is prevalent in the terrorism literature. We apply a large variety of empirical techniques to show that regime type has a robust inverted U-shaped impact on various terrorism measures. Foreign policy variables (e.g., alliance with the United States) are not a robust influence on terrorism.

Publication Information

Full Citation:

Gaibulloev, Khusrav, James A. Piazza, and Todd Sandler. 2017. "Regime Types and Terrorism." International Organization 71 (June): 491-522. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/international-organization/article/regime-types-and-terrorism/066297E3A009466D91A96F77D6ED7B3A

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