1. Mancur Olson describes states as “stationary bandits,” while Charles Tilly questions

whether states are actually protection racketeers. Discuss (what do they mean, etc.?).

2. What is distinct about settler colonialism (as a specific form of colonialism) and its “logic

of elimination” (see Wolfe and Lloyd)? Do you think its “logic of elimination” is distinct

from or consistent with the idea of genocide (Jones)?

3. According to Tilly and Ayoob, how do the experiences of state-building in postcolonial

states differ from those of Western states?

4. Referencing the relevant course readings (Ayoob, Lacina, Kaldor, Collier), in what ways

are many recent wars –-particularly in the post-Cold War era—distinct from other wars?

5. Discuss the distinguishing characteristics of terrorism as a form of political violence.

6. Extra credit: this must be a serious effort at addressing the question, not half-

effort to earn a few points – no credit for partial effort

Read this article and explain how this case represents an example of a “new war” actor;

your grade is based on how thoroughly your essay integrates points from and references

relevant course readings. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gold-africa-islamists-

special-report/special-report-how-jihadists-struck-gold-in-africas-sahel-idUSKBN1XW11F