Countering the Terrorist Mentality

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Countering the Terrorist Mentality

May 2007

This edition of eJournal USA, "Countering the Terrorist Mentality," provides a look at the complex, global problem of terrorism. Several of the world’s leading scholars in this field, including Walter Laqueur, Bruce Hoffman, Jerrold Post, David Kilcullen, Mohammed Hafez, and Mia Bloom, examine the motivations of those who carry out terrorist attacks and the techniques terrorist organizations like al-Qaida use to recruit and motivate them.

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Volume 12, Number 5

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About This Issue

The Psychology of Terror

Terrorism and Children
Children suffer many loses when their societies are torn apart by terrorism, and their subsequent vulnerability to being recruited into extremism.
A Form of Psychological Warfare
Terrorism is intended to intimidate or otherwise affect the behavior of a wide target audience.
Collective Identity: Hatred Bred in the Bone
The most powerful lens through which to view terrorist behavior is that of group, organizational, and social psychology, emphasizing collective identity.
Woman as Victims and Victimizers
Although women have long been involved in terrorist movements, they have recently migrated to more active, operational roles, including suicide bombers.
Mass-Media Theater
Like any theatrical engagement, modern terrorism pays meticulous attention to script preparation, cast selection, sets, props, role-playing, and stage management.

Studies in Terrorism

Terrorism: A Brief History
A leading terrorism expert provides some historical context for the phenomenon of modern-day terrorism.
From Profiles to Pathways: The Road to Recruitment
With so many people exposed to the presumed generating conditions for terrorism, why is it that so few are actually recruited?
A Case Study: The Mythology of Martyrdom in Iraq
Jihadists in Iraq play on themes of humiliation, collusion, and redemption to demonize their enemies, motivate their cadres, and galvanize public support.
New Paradigms for 21st Century Conflict
The need for a grand anti-terrorism strategy that can be sustained by the American people, successive U.S. administrations, key allies, and partners worldwide.
A Strategic Assessment of Progress Against the Terrorist Threat
Cooperative international efforts against transnational terrorists have produced genuine security improvements, but major challenges remain.

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