| dc.description.abstract | This research looks at the impact of international terrorism on international relations. It focuses on
the Al-Shabaab terrorist organization in Somalia and its impact on the international relations of
African states, more particularly the East African states and their regional integration. The focus
underscores the fact that there is a paradigm shift in the manner in which states address the issue
of national security, from unilateral to multilateral strategies. International terrorism is a glue that
is binding states together in their struggle for national security and safety. No state, even the most
powerful ones can claim that that it can fight international terrorism alone. Al-Shabaab remains
the greatest threat on the fight against terror groups in the region and this has pushed states to come
together through the African mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and forge a common strategy to deal
with the criminal organization. The Al-Shabaab terrorist activities have shaped the foreign policies
of the affected states with countries believed to be supporting terrorist activities having their
relations with other countries severely weakened or even totally cut off. The study also looks at
the alternative approach to the study of international relations. For a long time, scholars of
international relations have remained focused on interstate engagements this study looks at other
non-state actors and especially criminal organizations as key players in international system. The
study also analyzes factors contributing to terrorism and further discusses foreign and domestic
policy formulation to deal with terrorist groups. | en_US |
