| dc.description.abstract | The spread of mobile technology and coverage has had transformative effects, and most current literature focuses on the positive effects of this technology; it holds leaders accountable, facilitates democracy, and encourages transparency. More recently, there has been research done on the relationship between mobile phone availability and violent conflicts. However, there has yet to be research done on the link between cell phone coverage and terrorism. Moreover, most research does not take other characteristics of weak and failing states that may contribute to terrorism into account such as regime type. I will investigate this link using data from the START terrorism database and Collins Coverage by Harper Collins Publisher, and I will focus on the states in the Middle East and North African region. I contend that cell phone coverage helps terror cells overcome collective actions issues and create diaspora networks, and this will lead to more terror activity. I also hypothesize that the effects of cell coverage will be more pronounced in states where the technology rapidly improved and in those that score highest in the “state legitimacy” category on the Fragile States Index. This research can help states identify problem areas, understand the technology terror groups use, and help governments maintain a monopoly on organized violence. | en |
