In a recent Special Issue in Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Mitchell Institute Fellow Dr Ronit Berger Hobson and colleagues reassessed core perceptions of evolving threats following the October 7th attacks.

The key question that stood at the centre of all articles in the special issue was: 

If designated terrorist organizations can organize and execute such attacks, negotiate cease-fires and potentially become the leaders of a newly formed independent state, what political and security measurements can states, regional actors, and international organizations take to be better prepared and equipped to minimize and combat such threats to security? 

In her article, Berger Hobson focuses on Hamas as an example of a Violent Non-State Actor (VNSA) that had exclusive control over a non-sovereign territory (NST).  The article argues that due to its duality of purpose and its struggle to balance between its commitment to resistance and its need to govern, Hamas is unable to provide security to the population of Gaza, making the territory a venue for illicit cooperation and activities. 

Read the article here.

Read the introduction here.

In his conclusion of this Special Issue, Professor Richard English proclaimed that "The aim (of the Special Issue) is ambitious, simultaneously involving reflection on terrorism, on counter-terrorism and on policy-making.  The articles are serious-minded, thoughtful and substantial.  They deserve wide readership and debate".

Read Professor English’s conclusion here.

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