Honors Theses

College

College of Arts and Sciences

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Political Science and Public Administration

Department

Department of Political Science and Public Administration

Degree

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Political Science

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Abstract

Vehicular ramming attacks are a relatively new phenomenon within transnational terrorism. Their use is concentrated heavily within Israel and the West Bank. Using data from the University of Maryland’s Global Terrorism Database, I conduct an analysis of automobilebased terrorist attacks in Israel and the West Bank. I identify examine the relationship between Israeli counterterrorism policy, specifically the institution of barriers to physical movement, and the adoption of vehicle ramming tactics. These walls and checkpoints inadvertently provoke vehicle ramming attacks, even if effective at reducing firearm and explosive-based attacks. Exploration of existing literature on terrorist tactic selection suggests that vehicular attacks should be more widespread, yet these attacks remain limited outside of the Israel-Palestine conflict. This observation remains consistent with the theory that specific Israeli counterterrorist tactics have generated an increase in vehicular terrorism. Early instances of Palestinian vehicular attacks provide insight into the mechanisms at play in inducing and sustaining this phenomenon. I conclude by considering the implications of these mechanisms and potential policy recommendations for Israel, along with any other democratic states facing these attacks.

Publication Date

12-1-2021

First Advisor

Tkach, Benjamin

Second Advisor

Shoup, Brian

Third Advisor

Snyder, Christopher

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