Mapping a dark network with Social Network Analysis (SNA): the right wing Vaal Dam bomb plot
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Date
2014-06
Authors
Senekal, Burgert A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of the Humanities, University of the Free State
Abstract
The use of Social Network Analysis (SNA) to map dark, i.e. illegal, networks gained momentum after
the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York, and numerous studies have been conducted
that map Islamic extremist organisations. This article follows international studies and contemporary
practices in military intelligence in using SNA to map the ties of the members of the Southern right wing
group plot to blow up the Vaal Dam, who were arrested in 2002 and subsequently convicted of sabotage.
It is shown how the leader of the plot consistently scores highest on betweenness, degree, and closeness
centrality, and that he played an important role as broker between the Southern and the Northern
groups (better known as the Boeremag). Ties between the two right wing groups are also discussed,
along with the important structural roles that their meeting places played.
Description
Keywords
Social Network Analysis, Intelligence, Terrorism, Vaal Dam plot, Boeremag, Right wing
Citation
Senekal, B. A. (2014). Mapping a dark network with Social Network Analysis (SNA): the right wing Vaal Dam bomb plot. Journal for Contemporary History, 39(1), 95-114.