The local geography of transnational terrorism. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marineau, Josiah; Pascoe, Henry; Braithwaite, Alex; Findley, Michael; Young, Joseph
• Is Part Of: Conflict management and peace science. Volume 37:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 350
• Page End: 381
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Geocoding -- matching -- multilevel modeling -- transnational terrorism; International relations -- Research -- Periodicals; Peace -- Research -- Periodicals; 327.17
• DOI: 10.1177/0738894218789356
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-8942

Abstract

Why are some locations more attractive targets for transnational terrorism than others? Remarkably little is known about the local-level conditions and attributes that determine precisely where transnational terror attacks occur within targeted countries. To date, quantitative terrorism research identifies country- or region-level correlates of terrorism, neglecting possible local factors. In this study, we posit five local-level factors that increase the likelihood of a terror attack: security of a target, accessibility, symbolism, material harm, and exclusion. Using a variety of estimation strategies, including multilevel, negative binomial, and propensity score matching models, we regress new sub-national geographically coded transnational terrorism data on various sub-national measures that might theoretically increase the likelihood of a terror attack. The results demonstrate that although country- and region-level factors matter, numerous local-level conditions, including where civil violence occurs, sub-national economic activity, and proximity to capitals and urban areas, are equally, if not more, important. The results help to substantiate the analytical benefits of adopting the sub-national level of analysis in the study of transnational terrorism.