Psychological Motivations and Inhibitory Controls (From New Face of Terrorism: Threats from Weapons of Mass Destruction, P 162-194, 2000, Nadine Gurr and Benjamin Cole, -- See NCJ-190875)

• NCJ Number: 190882
• Author(s): Nadine Gurr; Benjamin Cole
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 33 pages
• Sale Source: I.B. Tauris & Co. Ltd
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This chapter examined the role of organizational and other psychological factors on terrorists’ decision making.

Abstract

One of the least understood dimensions of the nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) terrorism threat is the role of organizational and other psychological factors. At the heart of a psychological analysis is whether there is a psychological distinction between using conventional weapons and using NBC weapons, particularly weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The principle reason for the potentially higher destructive capacity of WMD, which is closely linked to the uniquely horrifying nature of the consequences of all NBC weapons, not only in terms of casualty levels, but also because of the horrendous nature of the deaths, injuries, and contamination that they can cause. The use of WMD would, under normal circumstances, be a totally disproportionate response to most acts of violence or other grievances. One of the principal variables in determining whether terrorists will resort to using WMD is whether they can overcome the psychological objections to using them. One of the factors that will influence the choice of weapons and tactics is the dynamics of the decision making process within the group. Decisions of whether to use NBC weapons would depend upon the balance of beliefs among the group leadership. There is clear evidence that small groups acting outside of a hierarchical decision making structure can lead to an escalation in violence. The fact that using WMD runs so completely counter to conventional notions of morality and social values would suggest that they are most likely to be used by individuals who are seriously mentally ill or even psychotic. It is the belief system of the terrorist group that forms the basis of the primary justificatory mechanism for the individual committing violent acts. Conventional notions of morality are replaced by the morality derived from the groups and its ideology, and it is these moral norms and values that are used to justify terrorist violence. The profile that emerges suggests that authoritarian groups, cut off from society, with psychotic leaders, represent the biggest threat. 76 notes