Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

George K. Kieh

Abstract

Over the past decade, Boko Haram has become one of the world’s deadliest terror organizations. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore nonreligious explanations for the problem of resilience of Boko Haram in Nigeria. Rational choice theory provided the primary framework for the study. Data were collected through in-person and telephone interviews with 14 religious and government subject matter experts. Other sources of data included media publications, documents, audio-visual materials, and the internet. Data were inductively coded and subjected to thematic analysis. Findings showed that instead of religious ideology, Boko Haram’s resilience was due to poor policy formulation and implementation as well as corruption and other government failures. Recommendations included comprehensive reviews of government policies, adequate implementation, and a combination of hard military offensive and nonmilitary measures capable of making Boko Haram unattractive to youths. Findings may be used to enhance positive social change through the understanding of researchers and policymakers in developing blueprints for counterterrorism, boosting socioeconomic and political developments in Nigeria, and promoting a return to normal life of Nigerians in the northeast.

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