The forces of oppression that influence terrorism have not changed
Throughout history the world has witnessed acts of terrorism motivated by different groups of individuals fighting for a multitude of causes. These individuals have come from various races, religions, and ethnicities. Yet as different as they appear to be, we can still find similarities between them, for instance, groups such as the Tupamaros in Uruguay, the Ku Klux Klan in the United States, and the Irish Republican Army are motivated by vastly different beliefs which they consider a justification for terrorism. However, the underlying concept of these groups, by using acts of terror as a means to an end, is by and large shared by all of them. This paper will evaluate the hypothesis made by Cindy Combs which states, “The forces of oppression that have caused men to rebel have not changed over the centuries; what has changed is the willingness of the oppressed to use previously unthinkable means to achieve their objectives.”1 (Combs, p. 35.). It will also examine the strengths and weaknesses of this statement as it applies to case studies of the groups mentioned above.
By examining the events of each case study in detail we hope to find the motivation of terrorists, and to gain insight into what the events in which they played a part might teach us about how terrorism is evolving. Let’s begin our analysis by looking at the group known as the Tupamaros of Uruguay. Beginning during the early 1960s, this group emerged after a time period in which Uruguay had enjoyed a period of economic prosperity and growth during the first half of the 20th century due to the export of mainly agricultural goods. Following this time period the economy began to struggle, requiring its government to reduce spending. This was met with difficulty due to a largely deadlocked two party system of “Blancos” and “Colorados”. The public failure of these two political parties to find a solution to Uruguay’s problems cast a shadow of doubt on the political model of Uruguay and resulted in a
By examining the events of each case study in detail we hope to find the motivation of terrorists, and to gain insight into what the events in which they played a part might teach us about how terrorism is evolving. Let’s begin our analysis by looking at the group known as the Tupamaros of Uruguay. Beginning during the early 1960s, this group emerged after a time period in which Uruguay had enjoyed a period of economic prosperity and growth during the first half of the 20th century due to the export of mainly agricultural goods. Following this time period the economy began to struggle, requiring its government to reduce spending. This was met with difficulty due to a largely deadlocked two party system of “Blancos” and “Colorados”. The public failure of these two political parties to find a solution to Uruguay’s problems cast a shadow of doubt on the political model of Uruguay and resulted in a