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“When hatred is bred in the bone:” the social psychology of terrorism
Author(s) -
Post Jerrold M.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05694.x
Subject(s) - terrorism , hatred , collective identity , social identity theory , ingroups and outgroups , criminology , nationalism , sociology , social psychology , political science , identity (music) , social group , psychology , law , politics , aesthetics , philosophy
Terrorists are not crazed fanatics. Indeed, terrorist groups screen out emotionally unstable individuals—they would be a security risk. Rather it is group, organizational, and social psychology, with particular emphasis on collective identity that motivates terrorist behavior. There is a diverse spectrum of terrorist psychologies and motivations. In terms of generational provenance, nationalist–separatist terrorists are carrying on the mission of their parents—they are loyal to families who have been damaged by the regime. In contrast, social–revolutionary terrorists are disloyal to families who are loyal to the regime. Religious fundamentalist terrorists are “killing in the name of God.” Suicide, proscribed by the Koran, has been reframed as martyrdom, which is highly valued. The new media, especially the Internet, have played an increasingly prominent role in radicalizing individuals, creating a virtual community of hatred. Understanding terrorist psychology is crucial to formulating effective counter‐terrorist strategy. Key elements include inhibiting potential terrorists from joining the group, creating tension within the group, facilitating exit from the group, reducing support for the group, and delegitimating its leader.