Recording: Is 'Eco-Terrorism' Real?
A discussion on the utility of the term ‘eco-terrorism’ and the use of violence for climate activism in the 21st century.
Overview
As part of RUSI’s programme exploring Climate Change, this event is the third in a three-part series covering how the climate movement and environmental activism are reshaping perceptions of ‘eco-terrorism’ and protest.
Historically, the term ‘eco-terrorism’ was reserved for groups that committed or threatened to commit acts of violence against people or property in support of environmental causes. Today, the term is returning to mainstream use as climate activists seek to force governments to address the climate crisis. There are concerns, however, that attempts to criminalise and stigmatise peaceful forms of climate-related protest might encourage more violent and radical forms of eco-activism. Moreover, there are fears that the term eco-terrorism may become a politically expedient label for those looking to delegitimise groups calling for stronger action on climate change. This event explores whether eco-terrorism is a useful term and discuss cases where climate resistance has escalated to violence.
Panel
Chair: Dr Jessica White, Senior Research Fellow, Terrorism and Conflict, RUSI
Dr Keith Makoto Woodhouse, Associate Professor, Northwestern University, USA
Dr Marcus A Boyd, Director of Graduate Studies and Head of Geospatial Analysis, National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START)
Dr Samuel D. Henkin, researcher, Geospatial Research Unit, START, University of Maryland
Dr Gerry Nagtzaam, Associate Professor, Monash University, Australia
CHAIRED BY
Dr Jessica White
Senior Research Fellow
Terrorism and Conflict
