Impact of External Counterterrorism Interventions on Host Country Stability: the Case of Select Us-led Interventions, 2001- 2021

Abstract

The US is largely viewed as the most notable superpower influencing foreign policy on critical matters of global concern such as counterterrorism. In spite of America’s major role in the international politics, some countries view its dominance as interference in the world order and overstepping its mandate in influencing international systems. The general objective of the study was to examine the impact of external counterterrorism interventions on host country stability: the case of select US-led interventions, 2001-2021. The study addressed the following specific objectives: to examine the conceptual, theoretical and policy background of external counterterrorism interventions in the international system; to assess the impact of US-led counterterrorism interventions on host country stability in the Middle-East, 2001-2021 and to assess the impact of US-led counterterrorism interventions on host country stability in Africa, 2001-2021. This study was anchored on the analytical framework of the theory of imperialism. This study employed descriptive research design to answer the research objectives. The study used purposive sampling technique to sample research participants who comprised of anti-terror officers and university scholars pursuing the theme of international terrorism. Both primary and secondary data was used in the study. Relevant secondary data was accessed from past literature in journals, books and periodicals. Desktop review of various literatures was undertaken to expose any existing knowledge gaps that need to be bridged. The secondary was derived from various journals, books, periodicals and internet sources, primary data was obtained from the respondents to complement secondary information. Primary data was organized and analyzed based on major themes of the study. Analysis of primary data was carried out using thematic content analysis technique while secondary data was critically reviewed based on the major themes arising from the objectives of the study. Analyzed data was presented using narratives, with excerpts embedded on the main text where necessary. The findings of the study showed that the US has led spirited direct and indirect campaigns on the fight against international terrorism, both within and outside its borders. In this sense, many countries in Africa and the Middle East have felt the presence of the US in this fight, with mixed outcomes in terms of the benefits and disadvantages in the host countries. The analysis came to the conclusion that the US has played and will continue to play a crucial role in global counterterrorism. The collapse of international law is one of the main effects of US unilateralism. The ability of law and order to support other nations in their efforts to challenge strong and hegemonic governments is undermined by American actions to intervene in other countries in order to further its own immediate objectives. The study recommends that US need to occupy a conciliatory position rather than bulldozing the rest of the countries even as it pursues what would ordinarily be viewed as a collective global peace and safety agenda. The study also recommends that foreign policies and interventions of hegemonic states need to adjust by adopting a new approach to sovereignty in a way that embraces the rights and obligations of every single state.