Date
5-23-2025
Department
Helms School of Government
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice (PhD)
Chair
Jarrod Sadulski
Keywords
Middle East, Southwest Border, Terrorism, United States, Qualitative, Homeland Security, Iran, Border Protection, Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, Texas, Arizona, Law Enforcement, Panama, Illegal Immigration, Migration, Border, Policy
Disciplines
Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Perkins, Bradly, "How Do the Conflicts in the Middle East and the Crisis at the Southwestern Land Border Increase the Risk of Terrorism in the United States?" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6989.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6989
Abstract
This qualitative dissertation provides an in-depth analysis of the intricate relationship between the persistent geopolitical instability in the Middle East, the complex crisis at the United States' Southwestern Border, and the associated terrorist threats facing the United States. Despite the pressing nature of these interconnected challenges, there is a notable scarcity of scholarly literature that effectively establishes links between the issues at the Southwestern Border, the conflicts occurring in the Middle East, and the risks of terrorism. This gap in research highlights the need for a comprehensive examination of these global security concerns, emphasizing how they interact and influence one another in ways often overlooked in academic discourse. Employing purposive sampling methods, the study involved 11 participants who were interviewed through a semi-structured interview format, enabling a nuanced exploration of their perspectives. The findings indicate that the United States is vulnerable to potential terrorist threats, which are heightened by the unrest in the Middle East and the ongoing situation at the Southwestern Border. Currently, the nation is confronted with considerable difficulties stemming from geopolitical tensions, extremist ideologies, psychological conflicts, and concerns related to border security and the sociopolitical stability within the Middle Eastern region. The research identified a correlation between illegal immigration along the Southwestern Border and an elevated risk of terrorism, influenced by various factors, including criminal activity, border enforcement strategies, governance challenges, policy frameworks, and power dynamics. The study concludes with recommendations and considerations for future research, drawing upon the insights gleaned from participant interviews.
