Modern Terrorism

Domestic Terrorism

Terrorist groups that are primarily U.S. based movements without foreign direction, homegrown, usually lone wolves or small cells

International Terrorism

Terrorist groups under the direction of foreign governments, groups, or persons

Multinational Terrorism

Terrorist groups that train and carry out violence in multiple countries

Terrorist Group Classifications

• Right-wing terrorists: antigovernment, racist ideologies, hate crimes, paramilitary

• Left-wing extremists: working class movements to eliminate class distinctions, hatred of racism and capitalism, opposition to militarianism

• Special interest extremists: activities revolve around one issue

• Radical environmental groups: “ecoterrorists”, earth, ecology, animal rights, etc.

• Nuclear/biological/chemical terrorists: modern availability of information and weapons technology, nuclear bombs, deadly nerve agents, anthrax, bioterrorism

Terrorist Typology

• Rationally motivated: considers the goals of the organization and possible consequences, develops well-defined and achievable goals, often tries to avoid loss of life

• Psychologically motivated: driven by profound sense of failure/inadequacy for which the terrorist seeks compensation for through revenge, usually through group affiliation/collective identity or lone wolf operation

• Culturally motivated: driven by fear of irreparable damage to their national heritage or culture committed by organizations, foreign countries, or factions (usually threat to faith)

Quest for Significance Theory

Motivation for terrorists is a search to be meaningful and be recognized as someone significant

Terror Management Theory

Belief that one can become significant and deal with death by striving for “immortality” by fulfilling the terrorist group’s requirements, leading a proper life, and completing the ultimate mission

Violent Extremism

Radicalization does not automatically lead to violence. Violent extremists usually have a history of negative life experiences (bullying, academic failure, isolation, humiliation, rejection, etc.)

Suicidal Terrorism

Willingness to sacrifice one’s life for terrorist ideology may come from rage and resentment for unjust persecution, martyrdom, honor to families and community, and/or desire for eternal life. Oftentimes, fail safe procedures are put in place (i.e., intense indoctrination, restricting tactical details, “point of no return” rituals, remote detonation)

Process of Radicalization

Gradual and deep immersion into ideology. Risky shift of adopting more extreme beliefs of other members after group discussions. New members may perform unpleasant acs to test limits.

Recruits often socially isolated youths who are influenced by their peers and attracted to belonging to a close-knit organization led by a charismatic leader. Youths living in hotbeds of political strife may want to imitate extremist actions. Recruiters look for people with relatively low level of cognitive complexity (young, naive, idealistic, seeking significance)

Social modeling of more experienced peers creates a sense of eliteness and provides social rewards and group esteem.

Lone Wolf Terrorists

Sense of self is derived from sense of power, mastery, and autonomy.

Internet capabilities have provided virtual tools for recruitment and propaganda spreading to lonely, isolated youths who want to feel belonging in a virtual community. Ex. Boston Marathon Bombers - 2 self-radicalized brothers

Cognitive Restructuring

Moral justifications - belief that actions are socially worthy and have an ultimate moral and good purpose

Euphemistic language - using neutral language, colorful metaphors, and euphemisms when describing terrorist activities (ex. waste = kill, “serving the target”)

Advantageous comparison - terrorists are convinced their way of life and values are superior to those they attack, furthered by fostering hatred for the enemy