A systematic review of the empirical literature on lone-actor terrorism, the first of its kind, is presented. Across 109 sources, ten main themes that characterise this domain are identified and described: definitions of lone-actor terrorism and typologies; heterogeneity of lone-actor terrorists; presence of mental health issues and/or personality disorders; similarities with other lone-offender criminal types; motivation to act driven by personal and ideological influences; increasing prominence of internet use; ties with other extremists, groups or wider movements; processes of attack planning and preparation; role of opportunity/triggers; and a tendency towards leakage/attack signalling.
This study explores the Internet's role in radicalisation pathways and offending of 235 convicted extremists in England and Wales. A comprehensive database was developed by coding content of specialist assessment reports by professionals with direct contact with individuals concerned. A series of quantitative analyses were then conducted. Findings suggest the Internet is playing an increasingly prominent role in radicalisation, with variations in online activities depending on pathway taken. Internet use has also changed over time, with increasing social media use. This study informs the debate on the Internet's role within radicalisation pathways, guiding counter-terrorism approaches and policy in this area.
Abstract:The purpose of this article is to explore the ways in which the EU's counterterrorism discourse, the 'fight against terrorism', is constructed, and the ways in which it functions both rhetorically and in practice. It argues that that 'EU identity' is constituted through and is central to the constitution of EU counter-terrorism policy. The approach taken is constructivist in nature drawing on a discourse analysis of primarily European Council policy documents, as well as the reports and speeches of the EU CounterTerrorism Co-ordinator. In particular, it identifies three strands of the discourse that it is argued play a key role in the construction of a terrorist 'other'. These three strands include: terrorism as crime and as an emotive act of violence; terrorism as an act perpetrated solely by non-state actors;http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/cac Cooperation and Conflict F o r P e e r R e v i e w and terrorism as a 'new' and 'evolving' threat. The article proceeds in three steps. First, it outlines the theoretical considerations that underpin this research, including its empirical application. Second, it demonstrates how each strand of the discourse is constructed. Third, it discusses the functioning of the discourse, including the contested nature of the 'terrorism knowledge' that underpins the EU's counter-terrorism approach. The article concludes by reflecting on what this case study contributes to our understanding of EU counter-terrorism policy.
AbstractThe purpose of this article is to explore the ways in which the EU's counter-terrorism discourse, the 'fight against terrorism', is constructed, and the ways in which it functions both rhetorically and in practice. It argues that that 'EU identity' is constituted through and is central to the constitution of EU counter-terrorism policy. The approach taken is constructivist in nature drawing on a discourse analysis of primarily European Council policy documents, as well as the reports and speeches of the EU Counter-Terrorism Co-ordinator. In particular, it identifies three strands of the discourse that it is argued play a key role in the construction of a terrorist 'other'. These three strands include: terrorism as crime and as an emotive act of violence; terrorism as an act perpetrated solely by non-state actors; and terrorism as a 'new' and 'evolving' threat. The article proceeds in three steps. First, it outlines the theoretical considerations that underpin this research, including its empirical application. Second, it demonstrates how each strand of the discourse is constructed. Third, it discusses the functioning of the discourse, including the contested nature of the 'terrorism knowledge' that underpins the EU's counter-terrorism approach. The article concludes by reflecting on what this case study contributes to our understanding of EU counter-terrorism policy, as well as explaining how the notion of the terrorist 'other' could provide the basis for a future research agenda that deepens our understanding of how the identity of the EU is consti...
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