The nuclear threat of extremist groups in weak states

Ismayil Nuriyev

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

The thesis examines the threat of nuclear terrorism in weak states, where terrorist organizations can acquire nuclear materials, such as fissile, by raiding nuclear research facilities or smuggling. A lack of internal stability, economic crises, and external political instabilities characterizes weak states' inability to provide adequate security measures within their borders. These factors lead to the rise of criminality and cross-border smuggling, providing a feasible environment for terrorist activities. This paper aims to analyze the potential of nuclear terrorism in weak states, exploring how terrorist organizations undertake operations to reach fissile materials and how terrorist blocks act in different regions, particularly Africa and South Asia. By applying a comparative case study, the paper addresses two research questions: the links between terrorism and the theory of weak states and practical examples of terrorism in Africa and South Asia. The thesis concludes that the threat of nuclear terrorism is an ongoing concern for the security of the international community, and the potential consequences of such acts can cause insurmountable damage to the infrastructure of a target city. Therefore, it is essential to focus on the counteractions of states and how the international community can support the weak states if traditional methods do not apply as they are inefficient in the long term.

Abstract:

The thesis examines the threat of nuclear terrorism in weak states, where terrorist organizations can acquire nuclear materials, such as fissile, by raiding nuclear research facilities or smuggling. A lack of internal stability, economic crises, and external political instabilities characterizes weak states' inability to provide adequate security measures within their borders. These factors lead to the rise of criminality and cross-border smuggling, providing a feasible environment for terrorist activities. This paper aims to analyze the potential of nuclear terrorism in weak states, exploring how terrorist organizations undertake operations to reach fissile materials and how terrorist blocks act in different regions, particularly Africa and South Asia. By applying a comparative case study, the paper addresses two research questions: the links between terrorism and the theory of weak states and practical examples of terrorism in Africa and South Asia. The thesis concludes that the threat of nuclear terrorism is an ongoing concern for the security of the international community, and the potential consequences of such acts can cause insurmountable damage to the infrastructure of a target city. Therefore, it is essential to focus on the counteractions of states and how the international community can support the weak states if traditional methods do not apply as they are inefficient in the long term.

Keywords

Nuclear, States, Threat, Weak, Terrorism

Keywords

Nuclear, States, Terrorism, Threat, Weak

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 28. 4. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 23. 5. 2023
• Supervisor: Jan Martin Rolenc
• Reader: Zuzana Trávníčková

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Bachelor programme:
International and Diplomatic Studies