On learning terrorism

Saper, Bernard

doi:10.1080/10576108808435696

Cited by 7 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Another broad model used to interpret terrorist behavior has been structured upon social learning principles consistent with the theory of aggression put forth by Bandura (1973) or more traditional cognitive-behavioral conditioning theories (see Saper, 1988). In contrast to the personality defect model, the social learning model of terrorism suggests that terrorism is a psychologically normal activity.…”

Section: A Social Learning Model Of Terrorismmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are Terrorists Mentally Deranged?

Ruby¹

2002

Anal Soc Iss & Public Policy

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Recent terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon have accentuated the threat of terrorism.However, it appears that the attackers are popularly thought of as mentally deranged individuals who are evil. This article suggests that such an understanding is a misperception of these people and may interfere with an adequate response to prevent future attacks. The article reviews the extant literature on psychological theories of terrorism and concludes that terrorists are not dysfunctional or pathological; rather, it suggests that terrorism is basically another form of politically motivated violence that is perpetrated by rational, lucid people who have valid motives. The only real difference between terrorism and conventional military action is one of strategy. Terrorists lack the necessary resources to wage war in furtherance of their political goals.In light of the recent attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, it is imperative that scholars and government officials attempt to understand the mindset of terrorists. Only with such an understanding can the problem of terrorism be addressed in a way that ensures a long-term solution. Media announcements and government rhetoric have echoed popular outrage at the recent attacks and have called for swift retaliation. However, we cannot afford to allow our indignation and grief over the recent horrific events to cloud our judgments about the attackers to the point of interfering with an effective response. Labeling terrorists as "deranged" and "evil" may misdirect attention and obscure political, cultural, and economic conditions that give rise to terrorism. This article is presented in an effort to provide information that can be helpful in understanding terrorist actions. It rejects the notion that terrorists are mentally deranged people; instead, it proposes that terrorism is a form of military action carried out by rational and

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Section: A Social Learning Model Of Terrorismmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are Terrorists Mentally Deranged?

Ruby¹

2002

Anal Soc Iss & Public Policy

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“…For example, the PFLP believes that the actions of the United Nations are controlled by the US-Zionist alliance, 51 so that armed struggle (read terrorism) is the only means to liberate Palestine. 52 Downloaded by [Australian National University] at 15:33 02 January 2015…”

Section: The Pull Factors: Ideologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Deterring the terrorist: A psychological evaluation of different strategies for deterring terrorism

Ginges

1997

Terrorism and Political Violence

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“…Changes should occur at organizational levels from the top down for the IC to function in a more proficient manner. Fourth, the role of psychological operations must be expanded and creatively utilized to facilitate dismantling of terrorist networks, and target leaders, recruiters, training camps, and trainers of terrorist groups as well as the members themselves (Saper, 1988).…”

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confidence: 99%

The intelligence community and the war on terror: the role of behavioral science

Busch¹,

Weissman²

2005

Behavioral Sci & The Law

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The United States intelligence community has been under intense scrutiny from both inside and outside in the aftermath of September 11. Post mortem assessments of intelligence breakdowns may judge the events as more predictable than was in fact the actual reality. In a troubled world, when threats to national security can materialize very quickly, the intelligence community must be able to effectively and swiftly develop and implement plans to prevent further terrorist attacks on the homeland. Numerous scenarios need to be considered for the management of crisis situations. Intelligence actions must make it more difficult for terrorists to strike at their targets. The war on terror must confront a new generation of enemies who threaten to attack the United States with weapons of mass destruction. This essay will focus on the role of behavioral science and how related reforms within the intelligence community could improve its capability to respond to a huge challenge.

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On learning terrorism

Cited by 7 publications

References 8 publications

Are Terrorists Mentally Deranged?

Are Terrorists Mentally Deranged?

Deterring the terrorist: A psychological evaluation of different strategies for deterring terrorism

The intelligence community and the war on terror: the role of behavioral science

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