Terrorism in Moscow

Bradyn Ray

Comparative Government and Politics

PL SC 150, Sec. 002

November 9, 2012

Blog 8: Terrorism in Moscow

Defining exactly what political violence is can be a challenge. Varying definitions for various forms of political violence have been proposed from genocide to civil war and terrorism. Like all definitions, they are not always perfect, but for the most part these definitions accurate depictions of political violence. Take for example David Samuels’ definition of terrorism: “threatened or actual use of violence for political purposes by non-state actors, directed primarily against civilian targets” (276). An illustration can help to clarify the strengths of this definition:

Examples of are plentiful: One such instance, in October of 2002, involved Chechen rebels seizing control of a theatre in Moscow and detaining over 700 hostages, most of them civilians (CNN). It eventually ended with the death of over 30 Chechen rebels and 100 hostages (Chechen Terrorism). Although Russia and Chechnya had been involved in territorial disputes over Chechen independence since the early 1990s, Chechnya did not claim responsibility for the attack. Instead, Shamil Basayev, an Islamist militant in Chechnya had claimed that responsibility (Chechen Terrorism). The demands of the Chechen rebels were political in nature: the main motivation for their attack on the theatre calling for the pulling out of Russian troops from the Chechen Republic (CNN). Russian and Chechen officials both condemned the attack and specifically labeled the perpetrators as terrorists (BBC).

But how can this example help further clarify the strength of Samuels’ definition of terrorism?

First, the seizure of the theatre and subsequent killing of hostages by the Chechen rebels definitely constitutes “threatened or actual use of violence” (Samuels, 276).  This fits the first portion of Samuels’ definition, and in this aspect, it is obvious that his definition is accurate.

Secondly, the definition states that this violence must be carried out “for political purpose” (Samuels, 276). The demands of the Chechen rebels were as political as they were unambiguous. Valeri Girbakin, a spokesman for Moscow police at the time of the attack, said this about the rebels’ purposes: “They are demanding to resolve the situation in the Chechen Republic, specifically pulling out Russian troops” (CNN). This was the clear underlying motive for the attack, and therefore Samuels’ definition of terrorism is appropriate.

Third, Samuels states that in order to be classified as terrorism, “non-state actors” must carry out the violence (276). As mentioned above, the terrorists who seized the theatre were denounced by Chechen officials and instead were acting under the direction of one of the several known terrorist entities in Chechnya (Chechen Terrorism). This makes them non-state actors. If the Chechen army instead of rebels had initiated the seizure, it would be more a matter of inter-state conflict than terrorism. This is key to Samuels’ definition of terrorism. Once again, his definition is more than satisfactory.

Lastly, the definition offered by Samuels says that this violence must be directed “primarily against civilian targets” (276). In the theatre were over 700 hostages, and the vast majority of them were civilians. In the end, the seizure of the theatre resulted in the deaths of over 100 of these civilians. This fact is a poignant consummation of the strengths of Samuels’ definition.

In conclusion, attempting to define political violence can be difficult. However, in analyzing David Samuels’ definition of terrorism and comparing it with a widely recognized act of terrorism, it becomes clear that this definition is more than adequate. While definitions obviously can differ considerably and some may be inaccurate, it is nonetheless possible to create an accurate definition, as Samuels has done with terrorism.

Works Cited

"Chechen Gunmen Seize Moscow Theater." CNN. Cable News Network, 23 Oct. 2002. Web. 08 Nov. 2012. 

"Chechen Terrorism." Council on Foreign Relations. N.p., 8 Apr. 2010. Web. 08 Nov. 2012.

"Rebels Seize Moscow Theatre." BBC News. BBC, 23 Oct. 2002. Web. 08 Nov. 2012. 

Samuels, David J. Comparative Politics. 2. 1. New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2012. Print.