In this article titled, “Endgame? Sports Events as Symbolic Targets In Lone Wolf Terrorism” Ramón and Mark S. Hamm attempt to identify and discusses what causes terrorist to target major sporting events and how do they rationalize their actions. To be able to understand why terrorist perform the actions that they do, there needs to be a basic understanding of what a terrorist is. Terrorism can be defined as the use of force against a civilian population to create fear and attempt to change the population's social or political positions. From there, there are a multitude of terrorist, such as those within large groups or those that the article focuses on, which are considered the “Lone Wolves”. Though they may work in small groups, these “lone wolves” are defined by their acting without the influence of a major terrorist group. The article explicitly states that “A key feature of this type of terrorism is its operational independence: the perpetrators are not directly linked to any extremist group, and the plot is conceived and directed by the individuals without any direct outside command or direction.” With this known, the article then gives two notable examples of lone wolf terrorist targeting sports events and attempts to discuss the rationale behind their attacks and draw connections between them.…
The concept of terrorism and how it is applied with psychological and behavioral patterns is not easily identified. Peter Olsson’s concept of the “in-betweener” identifies it as those in a state of transition, seeking social cohesion and a route to overcome frustration with status in their life (2013). This theory is conducive with many studies on terrorist transformations and historical narratives of terrorists. As I mentioned in a previous forum post, personal grievance’s and perceived inequalities can drive most people to extreme acts in order to preserve their norms. And smart individuals such as Bin Laden are able to take advantage of that mindset and leave an impression that creates the transformation into radicalization and then acts of terrorism. People have different coping mechanisms so of course that doesn’t always work, however, on the few who are submissive in nature or fear isolation it is an easy motivator for radicalization. So in part, one could say that…
In today’s society terrorism has a major impact on how we live, communicate, travel, our political views, and can even affect the country’s economy. But some may ask what actually is terrorism what motivates a terrorist, and it is easy to see the negative impact that it has on society but hard to see the positive impact terrorism have on society? In this research paper I will provide you with the information supported by facts that will answer each one of those statements. To show how no matter where you live weather it is In the big city in the United States, Europe, Africa, or the rural parts of Iraq and Afghanistan terrorism has a effect on everyone in its society weather it has an enormous or minuscule impact on their life.…
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the manifestation of terrorism as a form of conflict has seen the introduction and expansion of different unconventional methods designed to achieve an array of political, religious and ideological objectives. Of such examples, the concept of ‘lone-wolf’ terrorism has re-emerged as what is perceived to be a relatively contemporary yet effective tactic, causing particular concern among counter-terrorism institutes. Moreover, it has incited claims by noted authorities reiterating its status as a threat, including a statement given by US President Barack Obama claiming that lone-wolf terrorism is the primary threat to US security.…
Within the past hundred years, terrorist attacks have blatantly become more severe than ever. These attacks are caused by groups who are filled with loathing towards others. In fact, one can see how terrorists are using their attacks to elicit fear and gain power in the world when analyzing the Holocaust, the events of 9/11, and the Paris bombings.…
Terrorism can carry out in various ways, whether in a group or the leaderless resistance environment. The focus will be upon the lone wolf terrorist and the behavioral attributes that are prevalent among such individuals. The lone wolf invokes a sense of fear and creates images of an unknown; they are malicious plotters working alone and silently to perform an unpredictable, undetectable, and unstoppable act of terror (www.Statfor.com). Over several years, the face of terrorism has undergone substantial change. Although the US government is understandably concerned about well-established and enduring terrorist organizations, there is a noticeable trend indicating the increasing prevalence of so--called lone wolf attacks by individuals and…
i. Contemporary terrorist organizations are harmonizing their activities with scientific and technological discoveries, and in particular with the Internet and communication technologies. Collectively, this phenomenon is known as mega-terrorism.…
By 1932, crop prices had dropped per bushel to corn, three cents; oats, six cents; barley, ten cents; and wheat, sixteen cents (terkel-a0a0o8-a.mp3). Farmers thought that if supply could be stopped then the prices would be driven up, leading to the farm holiday movement (terkel-a0a0o4-a.mp3). Men would stop other farmers on highways and destroy produce in an attempt to stop the farm economy (terkel-a0a0o4-a.mp3). In one case, a railroad bridge was burned to stop produce from going to market (terkel-a0a0o5-a.mp3). These acts can be looked at as a form of domestic terrorism. The farmers had been pushed beyond the point of desperation to the point of radicalism. One story, told by former South Dakota Senator Emil Loriks, claims that when a man…
In “Terror on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube” Gabriel Weimann argues that social media has greatly aided the spread of terrorism over the advancement of technology in online communication. Weimann examines the use of interactive online communication by terrorists and their supporter- from chatrooms to social media and online video communities.…
“Leaving terrorism behind, either from an individual or collective perspective, might on the one hand suggest critical cognitive and social changes, in terms of abandoning the shared social norms, values, attitudes and aspirations so carefully forged while the individual was still an active member of a terrorist group – this is what is usually meant by the term ‘de-radicalization’” (Canter 2009). A better understanding of why individuals become radicalized will only aid in the understanding of why individuals disengage from terrorism. As I previously stated, there are many ‘root’ causes, such as victimization, that can lead an individual to radicalization. Additionally, ‘route’ causes are slightly different in their effect on the radicalization process for potential terrorists. Apparently, gradual socialization into terrorism is one of the main ‘route’ causes (Canter 2009). The ‘route’ to terrorism is considered gradual due to the initial level of involvement and interest. Through various activities and group involvement, the individual terrorist becomes more involved and interested. “A perceived sense of reward quite possibly represents the only common denominator across all potential terrorists in terms of understanding the common factors that…
Over the last several years, single actor terrorism has introduced a new phrase to the American public, self-radicalization. As an anonymous threat, the whereabouts, motives and activities of self-radicalized extremists are virtually unknown. Although investigative arms of the U.S. Government have uncovered several terrorist plots over the years , those perpetrated by self-radicalized extremists often go undetected until it is too late. The 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the 2015 San Bernardino shootings are just a few examples of attacks perpetrated by self-radicalized extremists in recent history. Their existence poses a challenging security question for government officials; how do you detect an anonymous threat?…
This article discusses lone wolf terrorism as well as main features and patterns associated with it. In a previous article, Psychology of Radicalization, by Kruglanski et al. they explain the quest of significance, motivating force to matter (2014). I wonder if the quest for significance will differ in members of a terrorist group and lone terrorist. I predict that although both types of individuals will be seeking significance, there will be a fundamental underlying difference in their quest of significance. Why is it lone wolf terrorist believe they can gain significance from within themselves and their action, while members of a terrorist group believe they can gain significance from within the group they are in ?--Oyindamola Adedipe…
Domestic terrorism is a very tricky topic, and an almost equally tough to define. But over the years we know that Lone Wolfs, special –interest groups, and radicalized persons are among the current classification of Domestic terrorists.…
Domestic terrorism is a matter not to be ignored. Society needs to take this issue into account. Americans should not have to worry about their lives. While the proponents of domestic terrorism claim that hate groups based in the U.S. have the means and the will to mount a terrorist attack, the contenders of domestic terrorism state that the biggest threat comes from an attack from outside the U.S.…
In the past 10 years or so, we have all observed many changes in the way domestic terrorism operates. For instance, left-wing terrorism was overtaken by right-wing extremism as the most dangerous terrorist threat to the United States in the 1990’s. In the last few years, special interest extremism has now surfaced as a serious terrorist threat. With that said, it is widely known that extremist groups are largely involved in activity protected by guarantees in the constitution and utilize rights like free speech and assembly to their own benefit.…