Date of Award
12-1994
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Sociology
First Advisor
Dr. Susan Caulfield
Second Advisor
Dr. Doug Davidson
Third Advisor
Dr. Ronald Kramer
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Consistent with Herman's (1982) call to more critically examine state-sponsored terrorism, this study assesses the sociopolitical and economic context in which the U.S. has terrorized the nation-state of Cuba. While the definitional framework in which the U.S. has traditionally examined acts of terrorism excludes from it the possibility of self incrimination, this research uses a single standard and nondiscriminatory definition which examines the behavior in question and harms done, as opposed to a definition based on power considerations alone. The method in which this research is conducted is qualitative, consistent with the principles of a sociohistorical case study, using an interdisciplinary approach. Finally, the theoretical approach is derived from institutional theory, rooted in the critical paradigm of criminology. The study concludes that the U.S.sponsored terrorist activities directed toward Cuba have their genesis in the core values of the existing sociopolitical, economic, and ideological arrangements in the U.S.
Recommended Citation
Matthews, Rick A., "Revisiting the Issue of Terrorism: An Institutional Analysis of U.S. Sponsored Terrorism Directed Toward Cuba" (1994). Masters Theses. 3835.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3835