Al-Shabaab, Social Identity Group, Human (In)Security, and Counterterrorism. (2nd September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kfir, Isaac
• Is Part Of: Studies in conflict and terrorism. Volume 40:Number 9(2017)
• Page Start: 772
• Page End: 789
• Publication Date: 2017-09-02
• Subjects: Social conflict -- Periodicals; Terrorism -- Periodicals; 303.6
• DOI: 10.1080/1057610X.2016.1236569
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-610X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article examines the link between human security, social identity, and al-Shabaab . The first section explores how social identity group theory can help explain al-Shabaab 's recruitment. The second part focuses on the counterterrorism campaign against al-Shabaab, which involves decapitation, aggressive peacekeeping through a proxy in the shape of the African Union Mission in Somalia, and the role of a domestic de-radicalization program. The article concludes that al-Shabaab 's allure is in decline and the group is facing internal turmoil, which makes its overtures toward the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant very dangerous, as al-Shabaab could act as an effective conduit between the Arabian Peninsula and Africa.