Choosing what (not) to do next: a preliminary theoretical framework on strategic innovation in terrorist organizations

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper presents a theoretical framework on strategic innovation in terrorist organizations. By comparing three historical organizations (ETA, PIRA, and Red Brigades), it seeks to understand the rationale and dynamics of strategic innovation. In doing so, it delineates this phenomenon as a process articulated in four stages: Evaluation, Formulation, Adoption, and Implementation. While the first two stages involve different actors, leadership is crucial during the stages of Adoption and Implementation. Additionally, the framework discusses how innovation is not necessarily related to escalations in violence and highlights an important difference between strategic change and strategic innovation. Finally, the paper explores the role of culture to then suggest areas for future research.