Terrorism Evolving: A Sociology And Psychological Approach

Terrorism Evolving: A Sociology and Psychological Approach The nature of terrorism is to project fear and chaos throughout civilian populations. Terrorist groups are typically more mentally stable than most violent criminals and their actions are inspired through their beliefs in justification and necessity (Bartol & Bartol, 2014). Current efforts by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) focus on technological methods to predict and prevent terrorist threats. Since the attack of 9/11 the FBI has switch from a reactive approach to a proactive intelligence motivated strategy approach (Comey, 2016). This paper aims to provide an understanding of why people join terrorist organizations, what the typical personalities of terrorist groups

The goal of terrorist or terrorist organizations are to portray their message. A terrorist organization message can be religious, economic or political based but is still distributed through terrorizing the civilian population. The motives for joining a terrorist organization are not always the same as the leader who creates the organization. New recruits are normally isolated and alienated young individuals who may or may not agree with the leaders cause but want a sense of belonging due to lack of self-esteem (Hudson, 1999). Typically, individuals who join terrorist organizations are unemployed, have little education, have separated themselves from society or are motivated by common desires shared with the leader (Hudson, 1999). Psychological variables play a strong role in individuals deciding to join a terrorist organization. Individuals joining terrorist organizations show feelings of un-controlled rage, hopelessness and the belief that society leaves no other option to disseminate the change they want. Childhood experiences of neglect and antisocial behavior can also be factors in an individual being more susceptible to

The social development or structure of a terrorist does not reveal dominant features of psychopathology from an outside perspective. The psychopathology of terrorism has been interpreted as ‘unconscious motives and impulses’ that stemmed in childhood (Borum, 2004). A better example would be reactive aggression described through aggressive expressions and vengeful hostility with lack of impulse control commonly developed within an individual’s childhood. Many children who are humiliated at a young age for their beliefs or interest advance into adult terrorist (Spencer, 2009). The underlining fundamental build of a terrorist or terrorist organization is best understood by analysis of their history. If the psychopathological role of a terrorist leader or organization is determined or understood then law enforcement will have proper information to predict future attacks. Social disorganization is the best way to describe motivation for terrorist actions. Thus, bringing the relation to terrorist being inspired through their beliefs in justification and necessity to incorporate change through public fear. The understanding of a terrorist’s psychopathology helps reveal the relevance in understanding a terrorist’s individual