Analyzing Terror: Researchers Study the Perpetrators and the Effects of Suicide Terrorism

• NCJ Number: 214113
• Journal: NIJ Journal Issue: 254 Dated: July 2006 Pages: 8-11
• Author(s): Michael S. Hronick
• Date Published: July 2006
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Series: NIJ Journal
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Issue Overview

Annotation

This article consists of discussions resulting from the Suicide Terrorism Research Conference held in 2004 offering an illuminating exchange of ideas for future research in the area of suicide terrorism.

Abstract

Suggestions made for strategies and measures to be taken in the future in the area of suicide terrorism include: (1) research should practical results for practitioners combating suicide terrorism and should focus on three areas: the launching of the attack, identifying characteristics of the bombers onsite, and minimizing injury and other harm to victims by shielding them and empowering the general population; (2) researchers should analyze information about terrorist groups available on the Internet and in publication; (3) research should provide further analysis on what can be learned from failed attempts by suicide bombers, on the profiles of the leaders of movements that promote suicide bombers, on how to minimize the psychological effects of terrorism, and on the impact of the cult of suicide terrorism on the societies that encourage these acts; (4) research should focus on situations conducive to suicide bombing, characteristics of groups and their decisionmaking processes, personality factors and social influences on terrorists, and the effect of government responses; and (5) the phrase “suicide bomber” should not be used interchangeably with the phrase “suicide terrorist.” The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) hosted a Suicide Terrorism Research Conference in 2004. It was a forum for researchers studying what has become a deadly trend--suicide terrorism. The conference offered an opportunity for experts to present their findings, exchange ideas, and return home with the benefit of the perspectives. This article presents the results of these discussions among the experts.