NCJ Number
190317
Journal
Nonproliferation Review Volume: 104 Issue: 43 Dated: Spring-Summer 1997 Pages: 45-53
Date Published
1997
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This essay focuses on the influence of religious imperatives, rather than ideological or ethno/nationalist reasons, on terrorist groups.
Abstract
The threat of war between Cold War superpowers has been replaced by a threat from more amorphous, less quantifiable and perhaps more ominous enemies. Today's terrorists, inspired by religious mindsets, combined with their enhanced capabilities, may lead to a new era of violence more deadly than the past. Traditionally, terrorist groups were more imitative than innovative, and none actually had implemented their heinous daydreams. They have traditionally wanted a lot of publicity to promote their causes, but few people dead. The goals of the new generation of terrorists embrace a mystical, almost transcendental, divinely-inspired imperative. Terrorist activities have declined, but they are becoming more lethal. For example, at least one person was killed in 29 percent of terrorist activities in 1995, compared with 17 percent lethal activities in the 1970's and 19 percent in the 1980's. While secular terrorists consider indiscriminant violence immoral, religious terrorists regard violence morally justified and necessary to attain their goals. Many new terrorist activities receive a blessing. Secular terrorists defend their community, while religious terrorists are activists engaged in total war. Secular terrorists believe they are fighting for a common good, while religious terrorists aim to benefit themselves. Secular terrorists seek to correct a flaw in a system, while religious terrorists seek vast changes. Terrorism has arguably become accessible to anyone because of easily-obtained materials in bookstores, mail-in publishers, CD-ROMs, or the Internet. The combination of motive, opportunity, and capability could push terrorism onto a trajectory towards higher levels of lethality and destruction, perhaps employing weapons of mass destruction (WMD).