International Relations 101: Where Does Terrorism Fester?

This unit is on terrorism and insurgency. So far we have only discussed terrorism. However, terrorism is inexorably linked to insurgency, as ongoing civil wars lead to a breakdown institutions, which in turn allows terrorism to fester. Thus, if we are to stamp out terrorism, we must also learn how to end civil wars and kill off the corresponding insurgencies.

[PunmasterSTP]

Thanks for another illuminating lecture as always!

I might just be pessimistic, but I feel that nation-building might be a fool’s errand. Like trying to motivate someone, the desire for change has to come from within, and you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink. We can try to teach people and guide them, but we can’t force them to change their beliefs or forget they have grievances. To be honest, if I saw war up close or lived through it, I’d probably be less objective and might change my mind, but as of right now I kind of doubt these strategies.

But I’m also an outsider with what is surely and uninformed opinion, and I’d doubt I’d ever have an affect on IR in the US (or any other country for that matter). I suppose I’ll just watch the rest of these videos.