TERRORISM LONGEVITY LITERATURE AND TERRORISM PERSISTENCE IN PAKISTAN: EXPLORING THE THEORY AND REALITY DISCONNECT

Muhammad Feyyaz

Abstract
Extant terrorism studies can be characterized, among other
discrepancies, by the absence of systematic study of terrorism persistence
more specifically the conceptual validity of prevailing longevity arguments
in explaining empirical reality. This article helps to fill the gap. It does so by
subjecting existing theories coalesced from a diverse set of relevant
literature to a structured critique, and then pitches the salient inferences to
a plausibility probe through a case study of terrorism landscape in
Pakistan. Several gaps transpire in current research warranting revisit of
major assumptions to harmonize theory with real time dynamics of
clandestine non-state violence. More importantly, the study engenders
unique insights which can benefit future study of terrorism prolongation in
identical settings.

Key Words: Terrorism persistence, Pakistan, longevity arguments,
variables, competition, political economy