Rapoport Theory and the Push and Pull Factors for De-Radicalization

Rapoport Theory
In an influential theory that attempts to trace the patterns and evolution of terrorism, David C. Rapoport posits that terrorism occurs in waves. To this end, Rapoport presents four main waves of terrorism and traces how they have been shaped by ideological motivations as well as the increasing prominence of the transnational diffusion of ideas. Notably, the theory has its shortcoming and benefits in facilitating our understanding of terrorism as a phenomenon. This paper analyzes the theory.
According to Rapoport, modern terror has occurred in four waves. To this end, he defines a wave as a period of activity characterized by expansion and contraction phases as dictated by a given predominant energy that influences the relationship among the involved groups. The four waves as described are the anarchist wave that was observed from the 1880s to 1920s, the anti-colonial wave that was reported from the 1920s to 1960s, the new left wave that was observed from the 1960s to 1990s, and the religious wave that started in the 1990s and is still undergoing. As evident from the name given to each wave, they are driven by an ideological position. The first anarchist wave was geared towards the replacement of established governments, the second wave fought for the liberation of their nations from colonialists, the third wave was inspired by the Marxist ideas, and the fourth wave is heavily influenced by religious beliefs, especially Islamic beliefs. An example is the assassination of US President William McKinley was a form of anarchist terrorism and aligns with the dominant ideology of the first wave. To understand the waves, Rapoport posits that one must acknowledge the role of transnational diffusion as it shapes how terrorism spreads and evolves within each wave. In every wave, terrorist groups exchange ideas, support, and tactics across national boundaries.
Notably, the Rapoport proposed theory can be considered beneficial in addressing terrorism in the sense that it offers a historical framework that can be used to examine the evolution of terrorism. As opposed to a lumpsum labeling of terrorism, the theory provides a framework that can be used to understand the ideological motivation behind each terror group and allows one to contextualize their actions. In the same way, the theory can be said to have a predictive value in the sense that the wave can be used to predict the trend of terrorism. Moreover, the theory provides policymakers with a more nuanced understanding of terrorism that can help them design effective counterterrorism strategies that would enable them to deal with each wave.
Nonetheless, the theory has its shortcoming that should be considered when applying it. A significant shortcoming is its overgeneralization of terrorism. Rapoport risks oversimplifying terrorism by placing it in four main waves. There is a high likelihood that the theory overlooks unique elements of some of the terrorist groups and movements. In the same vein, the proposal that each wave last for roughly forty years overlooks the likelihood that multiple waves can coexist with each other. For example, South Africa was still fighting for its independence in the early 1990s, and any form of terrorism against th...