The VNSA threat

04/09/2024, 02:45 The VNSA threat - Newspaper - DAWN.
COM
E-PAPER | SEPTEMBER 04, 2024
The VNSA threat

Mohammad Ali Babakhel | Published September 2, 2024 | Updated 2 days ago
The writer is the author of Pakistan: In Between Extremism and Peace
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MODERN states are faced with numerous traditional and non-traditional security
challenges, including threats from Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs). VNSAs are
usually defined as groups that employ violence and propagate and support
extremism for the furtherance of their ideological or political objectives. Since most
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04/09/2024, 02:45 The VNSA threat - Newspaper - DAWN.COM
of today’s armed conflicts take place within states, the VNSA phenomenon can also
be described as ‘the enemy within’.
VNSAs either attract volunteers or recruit activists by force. They have a hierarchy and command
structure that usually operates outside state control or influence. Where a chain of command is
absent, VNSAs exist as loosely organised groups. In exceptional situations, some VNSAs control
territory and have established parallel administrative control. Some VNSAs may have clearly
defined political objectives, while others operate in ambiguity. Some are active in rural areas,
while others are mainly in urban areas. Groups active in urban areas require more sophistication
and proficiency. A few groups prefer targeting the military, while others prefer civilians. Some
groups appoint women in important roles; in others, they serve in support roles.
VNSAs can take full advantage of the weaknesses in a state’s internal and external security policies
and may derive their strength from neighbouring or powerful states. Some groups exert
considerable influence on the daily lives and activities of the people within their territory. For
example, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the Philippines, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil
Eelam (LTTE) in Sri Lanka, and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in South Sudan have
wielded considerable influence in the past.
However, the scale of territorial control is not the sole factor determining the success of such
groups. Even without territorial control, VNSAs may be able to cause great disturbances or create
disorder. A group may not aim to change the regime but merely to destabilise the state. On the
other hand, territorial control enables a group to exploit resources, indulge in illegal businesses,
and introduce speedy and inexpensive justice, improved health facilities, and environmental
protection standards. In a few instances, VNSAs have tried to redistribute wealth, protect local
people, and offer basic social services. The introduction of the concept of ‘revolutionary justice’
provides a sense of protection to common folk and improves support for VNSAs within the
community.
Some VNSAs have political objectives, while

others operate in ambiguity.
VNSAs influence the distribution and exploitation of local resources and individual identities.
Upon joining the group, individuals adopt an alias or a nom de guerre, ensuring their protection
and gaining a new identity at the expense of their family identity. The organisational identity of
members assumes priority, especially for young members, who may feel more valued and elevated
04/09/2024, 02:45 The VNSA threat - Newspaper - DAWN.COM
within their new family. As members of this new family, they adopt new norms, values, and
behaviour patterns.
Social resources, such as shared beliefs, expectations and norms within certain ethnic, religious,
cultural, and ideological groups can recruit ‘high-commitment’ individuals. On the other hand, the
opportunity to exploit economic resources, such as by extracting natural resources, taxation,
criminal activity, or external patronage, may attract ‘low-commitment’ individuals seeking short-
term personal gain. This creates a distinction between ‘activist’ and ‘opportunist’ groups. For
example, the PKK may be classified as an activist group, while the Revolutionary United Front in
Sierra Leone can be characterised as an opportunist group.
The operational pr-esence of VNSAs within states raises questions about the efficacy of the state
ap- paratus and indicates the need for introspection. Such circumstances warrant a national-level
kinetic option or regional or international military action. Globalisation has strengthened VNSAs,
as planning, training, financing, facilitation, and targeting operations are now conducted in
different parts of the world. Besides employing a coercive approach, states must also opt for an
inclusive approach where appropriate. Deradicalisation and reintegration should be top priorities.
A living state has to be protective and humane. It must act as a shield for innocent citizens,
protecting them from extremists.
Globalisation, technology, and innovation have enabled VNSAs to be innovative, keeping

themselves unpredictable and testing the patience of states, governments, and people. Without
cooperation among states, the use of technology, and an active role of the public in countering
narratives, defeating VNSAs will remain an elusive dream.
The writer is the author of Pakistan: In Between Extremism and Peace.
X: @alibabakhel
Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2024

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04/09/2024, 02:45 The VNSA threat - Newspaper - DAWN.

E-PAPER | SEPTEMBER 04, 2024

The writer is the author of Pakistan: In Between Extremism and Peace

0:00 / 5:28 1x 1.2x 1.5x

Some VNSAs have political objectives, while

Globalisation, technology, and innovation have enabled VNSAs to be innovative, keeping

The writer is the author of Pakistan: In Between Extremism and Peace.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2024

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