Internal Dynamics of the FLQ (Front de Liberation du Quebec) During the October Crisis of 1970 (From Inside Terrorist Organizations, P 59-89, 1988, David C Rapoport, ed. -- See NCJ-111830)

• NCJ Number: 111833
• Author(s): R D Crelinsten
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 31 pages
• Sale Source: Columbia University Press
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This case study describes the activities of the Front de Liberation du Quebec (FLQ) in 1970 to illustrate how internal tensions within and among competing groups lie at the root of much terrorist activity.

Abstract

The actions of the FLQ, involving two cells under separate leadership, included kidnappings, negotiations with the Government for release of 'political prisoners,' and much propagandizing, illustrate the major dynamics affecting terrorist action: the terrorist organization itself, the political and social environment, and the official reaction invoked. In this case, the FLQ's infrastructure shaped its actions: while public communiques presented a unified image and the organization was perceived as centralized and efficient, it was actually characterized by internal divisions and frictions between the cells and their leaders over objectives, tactics, division of labor, and strategic decisionmaking. Similarly the sociopolitical milieu influenced the FLQ through the relationships between overt and covert groups that offered pools of potential recruits and support or denunciation of goals and tactics. Finally, the official reaction provided the impetus both for the escalating terrorist activities of the FLQ and for reoganziation and a revision of objectives. 66 footnotes.