State Terrorism: Are Democracies Guilty, Too? | Wider View

Summary

This transcript delves into the rise of state terrorism, particularly with autocratic regimes like Russia using assassination, sabotage, and cyber warfare as tactics. Experts discuss how state-sponsored terrorism has evolved, with Russia targeting dissidents and using hybrid warfare against NATO countries. The conversation explores the blurred lines between state terrorism and acts carried out by proxy groups like the Wagner Group, as well as the international community's challenges in responding to such tactics. The increasing prevalence of state-sponsored terrorism and its implications for global security are critically examined.

Takeaways

• 😀 State terrorism has existed for a long time, but it has become more prominent in recent years, especially by sovereign states like Russia.
• 😀 The term 'State terrorism' is often not universally defined and can include actions such as ethnic cleansing, political assassinations, or coercion against populations.
• 😀 Russia is a primary example of a state that engages in terrorism, using tactics like assassination, sabotage, and hybrid warfare, including cyberattacks and arson.
• 😀 The Russian government has been linked to multiple high-profile assassination attempts, such as the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and the killing of Alexander Litvinenko.
• 😀 State-sponsored terrorism often involves using proxy groups or non-state actors, such as the Wagner Group, to maintain plausible deniability while carrying out violent acts.
• 😀 Western nations, like the US, also engage in targeted assassinations and drone strikes, but these actions are typically framed as military or security operations rather than terrorism.
• 😀 The rise of cyberattacks as a tool of state terrorism has expanded the scope of global threats, creating a new arena of hybrid warfare that is difficult to deter.
• 😀 In recent conflicts, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, acts of state terrorism include targeting civilian infrastructure, like energy supplies and hospitals, to weaken the opponent's morale and infrastructure.
• 😀 Democracies often face different public perceptions when accused of state terrorism compared to autocracies, with the former being seen as less prone to violence against political opponents.
• 😀 The use of state terrorism, especially through covert operations and proxy groups, is likely to continue as a strategy for countries like Russia to gain influence and weaken their adversaries while avoiding direct military conflict.

Q & A

What is the main concern regarding state-sponsored terrorism, as discussed in the script?

The main concern is that acts of terrorism, which were once primarily carried out by non-state actors, are increasingly being carried out by sovereign states, particularly autocracies. This includes assassinations, sabotage, and attacks on political opponents, and it is becoming more difficult to combat these actions due to the state’s ability to use military and intelligence resources.

How does the script describe the changing nature of terrorism?

The script highlights that terrorism, traditionally associated with non-state actors and extremist ideologies, is now being increasingly executed by state actors. These state-sponsored acts are often politically motivated and include covert actions like assassinations and cyber attacks.

How has Russia's involvement in state-sponsored terrorism evolved?

Russia has been involved in state-sponsored terrorism for decades, using political assassinations and other forms of covert warfare. The script discusses various high-profile cases, such as the poisoning of Sergey Skripal and the use of sabotage and hybrid warfare tactics in Ukraine and Europe. The rise in cyber attacks and use of proxy groups like the Wagner Group are also noted.

What is the significance of the case of Vadim Kasikov in the context of state terrorism?

Vadim Kasikov, a Russian citizen involved in a high-profile assassination in Germany, was included in a controversial prisoner swap with Western countries. This move sparked concerns that it would send a message to Russia that political assassinations would not be met with strong consequences.

How does the script define state terrorism?

State terrorism is described as actions where a state engages in or sponsors terrorism, whether through direct involvement, financial support, or by allowing terrorist groups to operate within their borders. This can include violence against civilians, political opponents, or foreign targets.

What role do cyber attacks play in state-sponsored terrorism?

Cyber attacks have become a significant part of state-sponsored terrorism. The script notes that Russia, in particular, has increasingly used cyber warfare to disrupt critical infrastructure, launch hybrid attacks, and carry out sabotage, providing a low-cost, deniable method of aggression.

What are the psychological factors that lead individuals to engage in state-sponsored terrorism?

The script suggests that individuals who become involved in state-sponsored terrorism are often ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. They may be motivated by patriotism or a belief that violence is the only way forward, and these individuals are often recruited from military or paramilitary organizations.

How does the script differentiate between state terrorism and terrorism by non-state actors?

State terrorism is typically more organized and bureaucratic, often involving various parts of a government working together. In contrast, non-state actors engage in terrorism independently or in small, decentralized groups. State terrorism also has the added element of plausible deniability, especially when proxy groups like the Wagner Group are used.

What are the main challenges in combating state terrorism according to the script?

The main challenges include the difficulty of attributing state-sponsored terrorism, as many actions are carried out with plausible deniability. Additionally, states have greater resources and access to military and intelligence infrastructure, making it harder for international organizations like NATO or the European Union to effectively counter these threats.

How does the script suggest NATO and the European Union should protect themselves from state terrorism?

The script suggests that NATO and the EU should continue their efforts to strengthen cyber defenses, improve intelligence sharing, and enhance public awareness of potential threats. These efforts, combined with better cooperation between countries, could help detect and mitigate state-sponsored terrorism.