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Weapon of the Strong? Government Support for Religion and Majoritarian Terrorism

Author

Listed:
  • Peter S. Henne
  • Nilay Saiya
  • Ashlyn W. Hand

Abstract

This article addresses a puzzle in terrorism studies. That terrorism functions as a “weapon of the weak†is conventional wisdom among terrorism researchers. When it comes to religious communities, however, often it is those groups favored by the state—rather than repressed minority communities—that commit acts of terrorism. We argue that this is because official religious favoritism can empower and radicalize majority communities, leading them to commit more and more destructive terrorist attacks. We test this claim using a statistical analysis of Muslim-majority countries. Our findings support the idea that the combination of state support of religion and discrimination against minorities encourages terrorism from majority religious groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter S. Henne & Nilay Saiya & Ashlyn W. Hand, 2020. "Weapon of the Strong? Government Support for Religion and Majoritarian Terrorism," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 64(10), pages 1943-1967, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:64:y:2020:i:10:p:1943-1967
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002720916854
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    Cited by:

    1. Matthias Basedau & Simone Gobien & Lisa Hoffmann, 2022. "Identity threats and ideas of superiority as drivers of religious violence? Evidence from a survey experiment in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 59(3), pages 395-408, May.

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