Over 100 definitions of terrorism have been advanced. Descriptions of the gradual socialisation of individuals into violent extremist networks, combined with isolation, ritual and ideology. Pdf an overview of the political theories of terrorism. The definition of terrorism has been a difficult issue because of the heterogeneity of the behaviors. The field of terrorism has been explored widely across social science epidemiology, including political and psychological theory due to its varied nature, motivation and application coppock et al, 2014. The two sides of the coin are undoubtedly very much linked but we think that difference is relevant to better understand research on terrorism. The sociology and psychology of terrorism library of congress. He studies the target societies as well, unraveling the complicated social and psychological impacts of having to cope with the everpresent threat of a terrorist strikeand responding when one occurs. Definition of terrorism social and political effects. Oberschall, social movements and the transition to democracy 2000, 28 and cf, oberschall, theories of social conflict 1978, 292.
In short, a social movement approach to terrorism would consider it as one form of contentious politics, analyzable within the existing framework of social movement theory. Federal research division the sociology and psychology of terrorism 2 essentially anyone who is not a. Library of congress federal research division the sociology and psychology of terrorism 2 essentially anyone who is not a fundamentalist muslim or an aum shinrikyo member. Comparing theories of radicalisation with countering. Some countries have proven to be particularly susceptible to terrorism at certain times, as italy and west germany were during the 1970s. In contrast to interpersonal and individualistic explanations of terrorism, we also have social psychological research which turns its gaze in the surface and offers more promising explanations for terrorism and radicalization, while at the same time acknowledging the relevant political context. Social psychological factors pertain to all aspects of terrorism, including how terrorist organizations operate, and the impact of terrorism on everyday people. Psychological research is not only relevant but also essential to understanding this issue.
By synthesising relevant research and theory, critically contrast criminological and psychological theories of terrorism. Since the attacks of september 11th, the western world has labeled alqaeda and its leadership as suicidal and irrational terrorists hating the western way of life 2. Although not a root cause of terrorism, poverty is a social evil that should be fought for its own reasons. Other theories focus on the social causes of terrorism. In search of psychological explanations of terrorism. Psychological perspectives on terrorism, national security, and human rights paul slovic decision research and university of oregon. Although war and terrorism have been part of the human experience for thousands of years, their manifestation in the contemporary era is particularly frightening, thanks to evermore powerful weapons, including nuclear arms, that threaten human existence. This new textbook provides students with a multidisciplinary theoretical and methodological introduction to terrorism studies. Those people who have a negative view of human nature, i. Taken together these six propositions attempt to explain counterhegemonic terrorism and the dynamics of organizations that participate in such political violence. The most prominent causes of oppositional political terrorism can be explained by three categories of theories. Four psychosocial theories and their application to. Psychology of terrorism discusses the social psychological variables that underlie the terrorism phenomenon and the consequences of terrorist acts for people and political opinions.
After decades of social science research, no single theory of. These four dimensions are seen as necessary for the rise of social movements and their turn to violence. As biosocial theorists do, psychologists focus on how individual characteristics may interact with the social environment to produce a violent event. Clark in press psychological issues in understanding terrorism and the response to terrorism. However, efforts to develop a contextualized model incorporating cognitive, social. Four psychosocial theories and their application to patient education and clinical practice virginia m. It uses intimidation and fear to achieve national, social or religious objectives and it rests on clearly articulated philosophies about. Given these complexities, the psychology of terrorism is marked more by theory and. Developing a sociological theory for the empirical. Politically motivated assassination, arson, kidnapping, and other forms of violence date back to the genesis of human society. Can rational choice, psychology, sociology, help us better understand second brs seemingly counterproductive action. This ideal also applies to the mental attributes of terrorists. The terrorism literature shows three emerging trends. In search of psychological explanations of terrorism oxford.
Because of the wide variety of program types and the cultural and social conditions where they are taking place, it is imperative that successful efforts design each program on a casebycase basis, adds terrorism researcher max taylor, phd, of the university of st. The research includes a broad spectrum of social sciences, physical sciences, and humanities topics using the collections of the library of. The field of terrorism has been explored widely across social science epidemiology, including political and psychological theory due to its varied nature, motivation and application coppock et. Psychological theories of terrorism terrorism has existed for long even before the advent of recorded history. Understanding terrorism american psychological association. Minimanual or handbook of urban guerilla warfare by brazilian terrorist. On account of shortage of theoretical approaches the knowledge and. Terrorism has occurred throughout history for a variety of reasons. Terrorism clearly indicates that the nature of man has not changed, but three significant issues including commerce globalization, transfer of information and travel. Genetic makeup, social contexts, past experiences, and future expectations may interact with the characteristics of the traumatic event to produce a psychological response. Psychology of terrorism social psychology iresearchnet. State sponsorship is not a root cause of terrorism.
Analysis of factors related to hate crime and terrorism 2 executive summary the objective of this project was to empirically assess the association between hate crime and terrorism in the united states and evaluate whether these behaviors share common determinants. Furthermore, two prominent social psychological theories like the social identity theory e. Psychological theories of terrorism premium assignment help. The present analysis focuses on the aspect of terrorism where social psychologys voice is perhaps most critical. Psychiatric associations diagnostic and statistical manual of mental.
The study of psychological factors contributing to terrorism has brought forward a wealth of models and theories on why people get involved in terrorism. From psychology of terrorists to psychology of terrorism. This entry focuses on the psychological dimensions of terrorist behavior, deemphasizes the analysis of sociologically based explanations sometimes referred to as root causes or macrolevel economic and political theories, and does not address the psychological effects of terrorism. Its causes can be historical, cultural, political, social, psychological, economic, or religiousor any combination of these. Analysis of factors related to hate crime and terrorism. Psychological perspectives on terrorism, national security. For example, this approach also assumes that terrorists exhibit axis 1 disorders such as anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and major depression disorders. An overview of the political theories of terrorism. War and terrorism are both forms of armed conflict that aim to defeat an opponent. What social theories could explain the red brigades revolt. Terrorism, the internet and the social media advantage.
Individual, group, and organizational levels of analysis arie w. A stereotype is an attitude towards a person or group on the basis of some physical characteristic or physical fact. Considerable economic, military, political, and scientific resources are devoted these days to the war on terrorism. Andrews, and coeditor with horgan of the future of terrorism routledge, 2000. In my own studies of terrorism, i have attempted to address this and other socio psychological issues, including suicide terrorism, individual versus organizational aspects of terrorism, and terrorism as a tool of minority influence. Theories from different social science disciplines such as. Members of the group that planned a suicide attack on holsworthy army barracks were prosecuted and convicted under antiterrorism. By identifying what leads to terrorism, we can begin to fight it from the start. Analysis of factors related to hate crime and terrorism 4. The present article outlines the role of personal, social, and cultural identity in religiously and ethnically motivated terrorism. The social psychology of terrorism crowds and identities. With its sarin attack on the tokyo subway system on march 20, 1995, the. Four psychosocial theories and their application to patient. Taryn butler abstract identifying the causes of terrorism has been a goal of researchers for many years.
Psychologists are amassing more concrete data on the factors that lead some. At the very least, it might appear to belittle the social and political context in which terrorism flourishes while also cloaking the psychological development of the terrorist in unwarranted and misleading ideological baggage for a detailed discussion, see both silke, 2003, and taylor, 1988. Indeed, the psychology of terrorism has become one of psychologys major growth markets. Psychological theories of prejudice and discrimination. A social psychological perspective daniel druckman national research council the purpose of this essay is to introduce the reader to a social psycho logical perspective on the roots of nationalism. This article represents an attempt to construct a sociological theory of terrorism by means of six theoretical propositions. The contribution of social movement theory to understanding.
Sep 16, 2014 psychological theories of terrorism terrorism has existed for long even before the advent of recorded history. Department of homeland security through a center of excellence program based at the university of maryland. The reason to evaluate economics and psychology literature is simple. One of the earliest examples of the former was feuers 196922 conflict of generations theory, which is based on a freudian interpretation of terrorism as a psychological reaction of sons against fathers, a generational phenomenon rooted in the oedipus complex and, thus, in maleness crenshaw, 1986, p. While structural variables are most abundant, and much easier to operationalize and measure than psychological or rational choice factors. Exploring how terrorist organizations exploit aspects of the internet, social media and how these same platforms could be used to counterviolent extremism. In addition to those, economic and psychological theories of terrorism are evaluated from the other disciplines. Social psychology and fear of terrorism we argue that an individuals general view of human nature is a crucial determinant of her fear of terrorist attacks.
Ariel merari and nehemia friedland, social psychological aspects of political terrorism, applied social psychology annual 6 1985, pp. Author links open overlay panel david webber 1 arie w kruglanski 2. A socialcognitive perspective of terrorism risk perception and individual response in canada jennifere. Machiavelli, clausewitz and adam smith are important writers in western tradition of conflict analysis. Social psychological motivations of suicide terrorism. This approach alienates acts of terrorism from ideological, political, economic and social factors that may influence one to become a terrorist. Even though the scholarly literature on this subject has been multiplied over the last decade, there is still little, if any consensus, on what psychological factors are necessary or sufficient to explain terrorism. The book identifies the main theories proposed in the field of terrorism studies as they relate to several issues. Furthermore, two prominent socialpsychological theories like the social identity theory e.
T he root of modern terrorism go back to late 19 th century, but at the threshold of the 21 st century this phenomenon has reached unprecedented proportions and has become a menace to civilized societies worldwide. Psychological factors in terrorism and counterterrorism. Their outlook is one that divides the world simplistically into them and us. Was the italian police forces use of incentives to defect an. A socialcognitive perspective of terrorism risk perception. This justified the american war on terror and led margaret thatcher to declare islam the new communism. Psychological theories of prejudice and discrimination i prejudice and stereotypes social perception involves the development of an attitude towards another person or group of persons. At a minimum, there are three approaches to studying terrorism. The social psychological makings of a terrorist sciencedirect. He explains what it means to live under constant threat of terrorism, and addresses the thorny domestic and foreign policy challenges this poses. Policy makers and experts disagree about their theoretical perspectives. Psychological theories the issue of human violence is also a major topic within the academic discipline of psychology. Individual responses to terrorism depend on a number of factors.
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