Organizational Perspectives on the Formation and Disintegration of Terrorist Groups

• NCJ Number: 125950
• Journal: Terrorism Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: (1989) Pages: 139-152
• Author(s): K L Otts
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article treats terrorist organizations as political interest groups. Starting from the assumption that terrorists are rational political actors, it follows that organizational considerations will play a role in the formation and decline of terrorist groups, just as is the case in other political organizations.

Abstract

The effects of several factors, including recruitment, ability to provide selective and purposive incentives, the need for entrepreneurial political leadership, competition from other organizations, the ability to attract outside support, and the ability to form coalitions with other groups are considered. 61 notes. (Author abstract)