2022 Theses Master's

The Exacerbation of Non-State Armed Group Violence Succeeding Government Abuses of Physical Integrity Rights

Nijjer, Manmeet Kaur

The last few decades have seen a proliferation of asymmetric violence perpetrated by non-state armed groups. Attempts to prevent and counter this violence, therefore, have become the goal of many in the international community. Thus, academics and policy makers, in particular, have been researching the strategic goals and actions of these groups to create effective countering measures. However, one key element mostly overlooked in their analysis is truly understanding the motivations of these groups along with its importance in decreasing non-state violence. To what extent does the relationship between state and non-state actors affect this armed conflict and can motivational factors be seen as a tool to comprehending this relation?

To answer these, this thesis examines how the state’s violation of physical integrity rights exacerbates the violent actions of non-state armed groups. This research explores definitional and theoretical frameworks which aid in comprehending this conflict. Through a case study on the Irish Republican Army, it analyzes the increase or decrease of attacks following state abuses of human rights and discusses the motivational factors which influences their decision-making process.