Islamist Radicals in Latin America

Arguably, the efforts of the War on Terror in the Middle East and Southwest Asia have proven successful at eliminating bases of terrorist organizations, financial structures, and operational capabilities. Perhaps, these efforts may lead terrorists to seek out other regions to begin rebuilding their organizations. Latin America has a history of criminal activity and is an area where radical Islamist groups are known to operate. This thesis analyzes why Latin America is an appealing location for terrorists and determines if there is potential for radical Islamist groups to align with criminal entities native to Latin America. Understanding the motivations as well as contemporary events unfolding in the region will assist with evaluating the scope of the radical Islamist presence there. Based on this evaluation, recommendations are offered that could assist with designing appropriate measures for securing U.S. and international interests against potential terror operations emanating from Latin America.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Defense and Strategic Studies

Year

2012

Author dc:creator

• Schweinfurth, Marcus

Contributors dc:contributor

• Christopher Harmon

• Latin America
• radical Islamist groups
• terrorist motivations
• drug trafficking
• criminal relationships
• Defense and Security Studies

Statement dc:rights

• © Marcus Schweinfurth

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1377

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-2378