email
print
The terrorist mind
From CopperWiki
A terrorist’s life is life "on the edge”, rife with violence against others and a near certainty of a meeting a violent death. Psychologists and psychiatrists have been doing extensive research, especially on organized terrorist outfits such as the Baader Meinhof Group, the Italian Red Army Brigades, the Basque ETA, and the various Palestinian organizations, but still there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that they are psychopaths, or plain crazy. What kind of person would want this for her or himself?
Contents |
[edit] Why should I be aware of this?
While law enforcement and intelligence communities are increasingly directing their energies and resources to countering and preventing terrorism, it is also necessary to consider the specific ideology of those who commit or advocate acts of terrorism and gain an understanding of the various factors that influence the behavior of extremist groups and individuals. Even for the common man it is important to “know your enemy.”
Everyone is talking about terrorism today. Due to the recent increased threat levels we are all being asked to face new challenges and new dangers. Awareness about all aspects of terrorism, including the mind of the terrorist can go a long we in keeping ourselves and others around us safe.
As per latest research findings, most of the terrorists are rational beings, rather than being mentally ill. They weigh the costs and benefits of terrorist acts. Charismatic leaders often play a powerful role in convincing individuals to embrace expansive goals and use violence to attain them. People are also drawn to terror by personal factors. Terrorist groups provide their members with a feeling of belonging and empowerment and, in some cases, a means of avenging past wrongs.
[edit] All about the terrorist mind
There are differing opinions on what constitutes the mind of a terrorist. Many experts argue that rather than being psychopaths they are effectively pursuing a goal, that they are rational and not insane.
[edit] What makes a terrorist?
- The Olson hypothesis
Though scholarly research is lacking quantitative studies tend to focus on several theories. The Olson hypothesis suggests that participants in revolutionary violence predicate their behavior on a rational cost-benefit calculus and see violence the best available course of action under the present social conditions.
- Frustration-aggression hypothesis
The frustration-aggression hypothesis was proposed by Ted Robert Gurr [1] (1970) to include a gap between rising expectations and need satisfaction. Many other socialists, however feel that the frustration-aggression hypothesis is based on the too simplistic assumption that aggression is always a consequence of frustration.
- Negative identity hypothesis
Negative identity involves a vindictive rejection of the role regarded as desirable and proper by an individual’s family and community. Some experts believe that people engage in terrorism as a result of feelings of rage and helplessness over the lack of alternatives. This viewpoint seems to coincide with the frustration-aggression hypothesis.
- Narcissism-aggression hypothesis
The proponents of this hypothesis believe that their action primarily stems from low self-esteem and humiliation. It is a by-product of helpless defeatism, and narcissistic defeat can lead to reactions of rage and a wish to destroy the source of narcissistic injury.
[edit] Terrorist Motivation
In order to understand why an individual becomes a terrorist it is important to know his mindset. However, there appears to be a general agreement among psychologists who have studied the subject that there is no one terrorist mindset. Broadly the motivations of terrorists can be classified as:
- Secular groups with non-religious goals are often selective and discriminate in their acts of violence and try to keep casualties at the minimum amount necessary to attain the objective. They would like to project themselves as a rational group that has legitimate grievances.
- Religious groups, on the other hand, attempt to inflict as many casualties as possible. For them loss of life is irrelevant, and more casualties are better. They believe that the death of even their co-religionists is of little consequence, because such casualties will reap the benefits of the afterlife. This group is unconcerned about the fears of backlash as one of their goals is to provoke overreaction by their enemies, and hopefully widen the conflict.
- Striking on particular anniversaries or commemorative dates is another common form of terrorist targeting. Such targeting is carried out mostly by nationalist groups to commemorate battles won or lost during a conventional struggle. Terrorist strikes on days of particular significance to the enemy can also provide the required impact.
[edit] The intent of terrorist groups
A terrorist group commits acts of violence to -
- Create widespread fear
- Obtain media attention to their cause.
- Harass, weaken, or embarrass government security forces to make the government look weak and vulnerable.
- Steal or extort money and equipment, especially weapons and ammunition vital to the operation of their group
- Create doubts in the minds of citizens about the government’s ability to provide security.
- Affect the country’s economy by discouraging foreign investment.
- Influence government decisions, legislation, or other critical decisions
- Free prisoners
- For revenge
[edit] What can I do?
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- If you feel uncomfortable in a situation or any surrounding, move out of that place
- While travelling be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior.
- Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended. If you spot unusual behavior, suspicious or unattended packages, and strange devices promptly report to the police or security personnel.
- Be aware of all the emergency exits in buildings you frequent. Plan how to get out in the event of an emergency.
- Be prepared to do without services you normally depend on—electricity, telephone, natural gas, gasoline pumps, cash registers, ATMs, and Internet transactions.
- Work with building owners to ensure the following items are located on each floor of the building:
- Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
- Several flashlights and extra batteries.
- First aid kit and manual.
- Hard hats and dust masks.
- Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas.
[edit] CopperBytes
- A principal reason for the lack of psychometric studies of terrorism is that
researchers have little, if any, direct access to terrorists, even imprisoned ones.
[edit] References:
- Understanding the terrorist mind
- THE SOCIOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY OF TERRORISM
- Terrorist goals and motivations
