An Integrated Theoretical Approach to the Persistence of Boko Haram Violent Extremism in Nigeria

Abstract

The context and period in which a country experiences terrorist activities shape its understandings and explanations of terrorism, which can inform the nature of peacebuilding responses. Boko Haram’s emergence in 2009 represents Nigeria’s experience of modern terrorism, which can be explained from various perspectives. Three dominant theories explaining terrorism lie in poverty theory, relative deprivation theory, and social identity theory. Poverty theory highlights the socio-economic factors that create the requisite environment for Boko Haram’s violent extremism activities. Relative deprivation theory undertakes a psychological approach while social identity theory describes terrorism as a phenomenon shaped by the tensions created by one’s desire to affirm one’s social identity. These three theories help to explain important aspects of violent extremism and their interplay in Nigeria. This article proposes an integrative conceptual approach engaging each of these three theories to inform a holistic analysis to explain the persistence of Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Keywords:

• Boko Haram
• violent extremism
• terrorism, Nigeria
• social identity theory
• poverty theory
• relative deprivation theory

Notes

1 Zoning formula — this refers to the shuffling of political positions between the Northern and Southern politicians within a party structure, especially within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria.