Boko Haram's Strategy Deconstructed: A Case Study Comparison Between Boko Haram and the Algerian National Liberation Front

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA623025 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Since 2009, Boko Haram has waged a campaign of terror in Nigeria that has resulted in over 10,000 fatalities and threatens the security and stability of West Africa. Boko Haram has stated its objective as the creation of an Islamic State in Nigeria governed by a puritanical form of Salafist Islam. This research sought to discover whether Boko Haram could usurp the Nigerian Governments control over Northern Nigeria with their current strategy. By conducting a case study comparison between Boko Haram and a successful insurgency, the Algerian National Liberation Front, it was possible to answer the primary research question. Boko Haram can usurp the Nigerian Governments control over Northern Nigeria however, it will only occur due to the Nigerian Governments lack of commitment to defeating Boko Haram. With their current strategy, Boko Haram is unable to generate the popular or external support needed to establish a legitimate source of power and influence in Northern Nigeria. Finally, this research identified how Boko Haram could improve their strategy and what the Nigerian Government should do to prevent Boko Haram from establishing control over Northern Nigeria.

Author(s):
Burgess, Cortis B.
Author Organization(s):
ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE FORT LEAVENWORTH KS
Descriptive Note:
Master's thesis
Pagination:
0110

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
USACGSC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5.3.3_Develop Strategy; JCA_7.2.1_Mitigate Lethal Effects; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_2_Battlespace Awareness; JCA_2.1_Planning and Direction; JCA_8.1_Communicate; JCA_2.1.2_Develop Strategies; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_8.1.3_Influence Adversary and Competitor Audiences; JCA_8.2.3_Build the Capabilities and Capacities of Partners and Institutions; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_1.1_Force Management; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_1.3.2_Personnel Management; JCA_1.4_Force Support
Modernization Areas:
AI and Machine Learning
Communities of Interest:
Weapons Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*GOVERNMENT(FOREIGN), *INSURGENCY, *STRATEGY, *TERRORISM, ALGERIA, CASE STUDIES, COMPARISON, DEMOGRAPHY, HISTORY, LESSONS LEARNED, NIGERIA, PROPAGANDA, THESES
Field(s)/Group(s):
Government and Political Science, Unconventional Warfare
Keyword(s):
ALGERIAN NATIONAL LIBERATION FRONT, BOKO HARAM, SUPPORT, UNITY
Report Date:
2015 Jun 12
Creation Date:
2015 Nov 16