Terrorism involves acts of violence deliberately perpetuated against civilian non-combatants by terrorists aiming to further ideological, spiritual, or political agendas. Such occurrences are highly detrimental to citizens worldwide because they result in unwarranted fear and other severe consequences, which may lead to the death of innocent individuals. The nature of violence displayed through terrorism can be explained by considering the motivation and intentions of the actors. The main points in the book Psychology of terrorism include the explanation that perceived injustice, attention for a sense of belonging, and the need to find one’s identity are typical inspirations by potential terrorists.
Individuals who feel that they have been subjected to extreme injustice are likely to exhibit violent behavior in an attempt to avenge. Perceived injustice is a central aspect of comprehending violence propagated by terrorists. Remediable inequality is a primary inspiration for terrorism as it may be linked to the goal of forcing others to stop bias (Borum, 2007). Identity is sought in different ways, including joining other groups to explore their actions, beliefs, values, and attitudes. The need and search for identity can lead an individual into terrorist groups if the decision is made without clearly considering the related consequences. In this case, a person merges their identity with that of a group, leading to a loss of individuality (Borum, 2007). Many individuals find the identity of a terrorist group to be necessary, especially if theirs is flawed. Individuals join terrorist groups to experience a sense of belonging, connectedness, appreciation, recognition, and affiliation. The togetherness and freedom in terrorist associations are essential motivations to join a friendly team and engage in arranged violent actions.
In conclusion, different individuals are influenced by various factors to engage in terrorism and perpetuate violent actions against others. For example, if people feel threatened by poor association with their family, friends, and the community, it can be appealing to experience oneness and association with a terrorist group. Additionally, searching for identity and the need for revenge for unjustified, unfair treatment is typical of joining a terrorist group.
Reference
Borum, R. (2007). Psychology of terrorism. University of South Florida Tampa dept of mental health law and policy.