Framing reality, choosing the tactic: the Islamic Jihad Movement and the Second Intifada (2000-2005)

This research examines how framing informed the selection and evolution of different tactics by the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine (PIJ) during the Second Intifada (2000-2005). Drawing upon a new dataset on PIJ repertoires of actions and a frame analysis of PIJ written documentation, the analysis demonstrates that the selection and evolution of tactics by the PIJ depended on different interpretations of the conflict dynamics. Unfolding the link between relational dynamics, framing, and tactics solves some of the puzzles regarding the mixed effects of the Israeli repression on strategic action. Moreover, it demonstrates that the PIJ’s use of certain tactics was not dictated by religious ideologies or cultural beliefs. Rather, it was influenced by the elaboration of resonant collective action frames. In moving beyond the impasse of ‘why political violence’, this research focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘when’ questions and offers an understanding of the PIJ as pragmatic and flexible, whose complexity challenges simple labelling, such that of a ‘radical’ and ‘terrorist’ organization as a whole.<br/><br/><i>Thesis embargoed until 31 July 2026</i>. <br/>

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Doctor of Philosophy

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral Thesis

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Queen's University Belfast

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Acinapura, Antonella

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Thomson, Andrew
• Bourne, Michael

• Political violence
• social movement studies
• contentious politics
• Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine (PIJ)
• collective action frames

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

oai:pure.qub.ac.uk/portal:studenttheses/bc6bf638-5b6c-49ca-b5d3-ff14929a6416

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:pure.qub.ac.uk/portal:studenttheses/bc6bf638-5b6c-49ca-b5d3-ff14929a6416