Contemporary Ecological Terrorism

Mario Domjanič, Bojan Dobovšek

Purpose:

Similar to the concept of terrorism, that of ecological terrorism (henceforth eco-terrorism) is captured in a large number of definitions differing in three ways: first, as a use of the environment as a means of terrorizing, second, as a way of terrorizing the environment, and third, as a tactic employed by radical environmentalists. By separating the two concepts, terrorism and environmental terrorism, these three types of definitions of eco-terrorism can be divided between the two concepts, so that the concept of eco-terrorism relates to actions by radical environmentalists.

Design/Methods/Approach:

Numerous scientific articles have been analysed, and interviews with experts in the fields of ecology, environmental crime, and terrorism have been carried out.

Findings:

The topic at hand is complex and broad, representing a new challenge to the investigators because radical environmentalists form networks in a way which, in certain segments or aspects, differs from that of terrorist or organized-crime groups. As a result, the U.S. has already adopted a number of specific laws that concretely define and stipulate the legal grounds for processing acts of eco-terrorism. In addition, the investigators can also apply different conventional tools and methods, such as the geographic information system, a tool for the identification of specific targets, links analysis tools, and social networks analyzing tools.

Research Limitations / Implications:

Cases of eco-terrorism in Slovenia and the EU are rare, so it was difficult to find suitable competent interlocutors to know the issues under discussion.

Practical Implications:

The article presents various definitions of the concept of eco-terrorism, as the topic is relatively new and unexplored. It provides a starting point for further exploration of the issues addressed.

Originality/Value:

Slovenian literature in the field of eco-terrorism is scarce. This paper provides insight into the problems and thereto-related information while shedding light on the dilemma what exactly constitutes the concept of eco-terrorism.

UDC: 343.3/.7:504

Keywords: eco-terrorism, eco-terrorist, environmental terrorism, environmental crime, radical environmentalists.