Courses on Violent Non-State Actors in Global Politics

The study has been prepared to highlight the gap in the literature on the Middle East and International Relations. Upon completion of this training, it is aimed to acquire a basic level of knowledge and interpretation regarding violent non-state actors. Particularly after the Arab Spring, violent non-state actors have become more influential in the Middle East and globally, establishing a permanent presence and becoming a topic of discussion in academic literature.

In this context, we have prepared six lessons on this concept. In the first lesson, we defined violent non-state actors and examined the characteristics necessary for defining a political movement as a violent non-state actor. The second lesson focused on a process analysis of the historical background of violent non-state actors. These actors serve specific political purposes and, like other political entities, go through certain stages. The third lesson explored the phases that violent non-state actors undergo as political actors, examining four stages: emergence, growth, maturity, and transformation.

In the fourth lesson, a classification of these actors was provided, dividing them into three categories: revolutionary-ideological movements, ethnopolitical-identity movements, and fundamentalist-religious movements. The fifth lesson introduced the typology of violent non-state actors, categorizing them under three main headings: clients, communal, and corporatized violent non-state actors.

Finally, in the last lesson, an overview of the existing literature on violent non-state actors was presented, and a framework was outlined for future research on the concept. References were made to key thinkers in the field to emphasize the philosophical dimension of the doctrine. A connection was established between violent non-state actors and contemporary issues to enhance interpretive skills. Additionally, at the end of each lesson, academic readings related to the concept were shared to reinforce the course content.

Hope it is useful..