Framing reality, choosing the tactic

: The Islamic Jihad Movement and the Second Intifada (2000-2005)

Abstract

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.

Thesis embargoed until 31 July 2026. 

Date of Award	Jul 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Supervisor	Andrew Thomson (Supervisor), Zaheer Kazmi (Supervisor) & Michael Bourne (Supervisor)