Introduction: Sociological and Psychological Aspects of Terrorism (From Understanding Terrorism: Analysis of Sociological and Psychological Aspects, P 1-14, 2007, Suleyman Ozeren, Ismail Dincer Gunes, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-225410)

• NCJ Number: 225411
• Author(s): Suleyman Ozeren; Ismail Dincer Gunes
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: IOS Press
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

This chapter provides an overview of the five major sections of this book, which presents a comprehensive approach to understanding the underlying causes of terrorism.

Abstract

Part One, which provides a conceptual framework for understanding terrorism and individual and organizational terrorist behavior, contains chapters that address social and psychological factors in terrorist behaviors. Among the topics discussed are extremist subcultures, aggression and frustration, socialization, terrorist decisionmaking, and the impact of globalization. Part Two uses a multidisciplinary approach in identifying and discussing the underlying causes of terrorism. Among the issues addressed are inequality, poverty, and globalization; the conflict between democracy and terrorism; immigration; individual characteristics of those who join terrorist organizations; and why females join terrorist groups. The chapters of Part Three provide a comprehensive review of responses to terrorism. Attention is given to legal measures, organizational responses, and the interaction between the public and counterterrorist law enforcement strategies and actions. Part Four focuses on issues in achieving a balance between maintaining security against terrorism while attempting to preserve fundamental rights and liberties. This section examines the features of the PATRIOT Act, which made significant changes to more than 15 Federal statutes in a comprehensive effort to prevent terrorist attacks in the United States after the September 11 terrorist attacks of 2001; counterterrorism legal measures in the United Kingdom; and Turkey’s long experience in combating terrorism, with attention to recent amendments to the Anti-Terror Law. Part Five contains chapters that address the impact of communication and technology on terrorism. Issues addressed are the use of computer technologies by terrorist organizations, communication techniques used by terrorist organizations, the relationship between media companies and terrorism, and the use of technology in conducting better research on terrorism. 9 references