Summary
Highlights
Despite broad agreement on what terrorism is, the 'why' remains a profound and difficult question. Terrorists' actions, such as targeting civilians, appear extraordinary, yet individuals from diverse backgrounds engage in them systematically.
Terrorists often claim they have no other choice, portraying terrorism as a 'weapon of the weak'. However, this explanation is insufficient, as some groups, like radical Islamists, view violence as a religious duty even when other means are available, seeing it as an obligation rather than a last resort.
One approach to causation examines macro-level conditions such as poverty, inequality, injustice, political regimes, and the presence of foreign influences or globalization. The challenge is that while many experience these conditions, very few resort to terrorism, indicating these factors alone are not sufficient explanations.
To understand why only a few individuals become terrorists, analysts look at individual psychology, social psychology, and demographic factors, focusing on radicalization processes. While personal frustrations or 'death wishes' have been suggested, there's no clear psychopathology or typical 'terrorist profile,' making it hard to identify potential recruits.
A meso-level analysis focuses on the group, recognizing that individuals engaging in terrorism are rarely 'lone wolves.' They join like-minded groups, often through recruitment in existing social networks, fostering a strong sense of belonging and common identity. This group cohesion creates immense peer pressure and makes it difficult for members to leave.
Understanding terrorism requires taking militant organizations' strategies and cultures seriously. Terrorism is usually calculating and a result of strategic thought, even if it can be a miscalculation. Extremist groups' communications, rather than being dismissed as mere propaganda, offer critical insights into their thinking. Modern terrorist groups, especially radical Islamists, use sophisticated communication, particularly video, despite their ideologies being considered archaic by Western observers.