What Drives a Person to Terrorism - Essay Example

? Terrorism What do you believe drives a person to terrorism? An analysis of the psychological dispositions behind a terrorist’s motives indicates that various factors come into the interplay before they consciously decide to commit an act of terror. These factors include; religious beliefs, discriminatory stereotypes, and psychological abnormalities among other things. Despite these factors serving as the motive behind a terrorist’s actions, belief proves to be the fuel behind these factors. Belief refers to a conviction or faith held by a person about certain issues. Strongly believing in the cause a person is fighting for, therefore, proves to be the key factor that drives a person into committing acts of terror.2 From a psychological standpoint, it becomes clear the influence people’s beliefs have on their actions. Prominent, social Psychologists advance that people conform to the beliefs of a group in order to find acceptance from other members. Therefore, they adopt their beliefs without questioning them; fearing rejection from the rest. These scholars further posit that people within a group rarely stop to question the beliefs shared by other group members. The psychological, emotional, social and physiological wellbeing brought about by belonging to a group ensures people go out of their way to preserve their positions within the group. In addition, there exists a faction of dominant, leaders within these groups who formulate the code of conduct of group members. Research in Psychology shows that people tend to gravitate towards dominant, authoritative individuals. They do this by sharing in these people’s believes even when these believes prove to be wrong. This is because these dominant individuals provide their followers with a standard, which can be used to justify their actions.2 Looking at separate acts of terror committed around the world, helps to show how belief plays a crucial role in leading a person to terrorism. Firstly, an analysis of different dictators, for example, Adolf Hitler and Mussolini showcases the influence belief has on people. Both these dictators were aware that making people believe in their cause proved to be the best way in which people could justify their actions without thinking they have done anything wrong. Dictators played with their followers’ psychological make-up. They did this by twisting their thoughts into believing that their actions were right despite the selfish motives behind their agendas. They understood people’s main weakness of needing something to believe, which gave them a sense of purpose in their lives. In Hitler’s case, he made most Germans believe in the superiority of their race while he rallied for them to commit inhumane acts towards people of other races especially the Jews. As a result, an estimate of about six million Jews lost their lives under the hands of German soldiers in the Holocaust. German soldiers found nothing wrong in their actions because they adored and believed everything Hitler said and further used it to justify their actions. The inhumane treatment of people within the concentration camps spread out all over Germany, and advocacy for World War I & II resulted under the influence of Hitler on people’s beliefs.1 Religious beliefs also play a vital role in the guiding of people towards committing acts of terror. Many people around the world gravitate towards believing in a supernatural entity. In most cases, people join religions and begin to believe in the doctrines advanced by these religions because these religions reinforce their faith by giving them something to believe in consistently. Looking back at the history of the Roman Catholic Church, it is apparent that many people gravitated towards this religion because it was the most widespread religion at the time. People believed in the holiness of the papacy and the Holy Mother Church. Therefore, those chosen to form the church’s army believed that their killing sprees were justifiable despite the irony that the command to kill originated from the church. The soldiers believed that they were killing for God. Many influential church leaders used people’s misguided beliefs to control them hence fulfill their selfish agendas. In recent times religion still continues to influence the formation of people’s beliefs. This continues to lead to people’s involvement in acts of terror, for example, the rise of Islamic extremists. Unsuspecting people continue to be misguided by a few religious leaders who are radical in their approaches especially in their formation of religious doctrines. The rise of Islamic terror groups reinforces the role played by religious beliefs in fueling terrorism.2 How would you explain the rise of Islamic extremist terrorism? The rise of Islamic extremist terrorism can be explained by the division in the Islamic community especially in the interpretation of the Koran and Sharia law. The latter refers to Islamic laws whereas the Koran refers to their Holy book, which they rely on for guidance and counseling. Despite the division in the interpretation of these items, it is pertinent to note that Muslims share certain similarities. These include; their belief in the existing five pillars of Islam and the six articles of faith. The five pillars of Islam entail believing in Allah as the only true god, believing in Prophet Muhammad, fasting during Ramadan, helping the poor, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca annually for those with the financial means. On the other hand, the six articles revolve around people’s belief in angels, Judgment Day, Allah, Muhammad as Allah’s prophet, revelations in the Koran, and Allah’s ultimate power.3 There are two distinct groups with regard to the interpretation of both the Sharia laws and the Koran. These include; modernist and revivalists. Colonel B.S. Burmeister’s ‘The Rise of Islamic Fundamentalism’ is an essay that explores the difference between the two distinct divisions. He explains that Modernists are a group made up of people who adhere to the religious doctrines advanced by the Islamic religion. However, they interpret these doctrines in a modern context. Meaning, they are open to the extensive diversity of other people who do not profess the Islamic faith. They do this by accepting religious diversity, which means that they do not attach negative stereotypes to people who believe in other religions like Christianity. They also acknowledge the existence of secular governments around the world. Finally, they advocate for the emancipation of women by giving them equal opportunities to pursue their dreams afforded to men. Modernists recommend that people ought to form a personal relationship with Allah. In addition, they condemn actions carried out by fundamentalists, for example, acts of terror. Alternatively, the revivalist group otherwise referred to as the fundamentalists or Islamist extremists, believe in the traditional interpretation of both the Koran and Sharia laws. As a result, they believe in the condemnation of people who do not profess the Islamic faith. The religious interpretations also contribute to the chauvinistic ways in which they treat women within the society. In addition, they also are intolerant towards secular governments around the world.3 It was until the US government declared war against the Middle East regions that these fundamentalists began to show overtly their extremists beliefs. The following can be attributed as factors leading to the rise of Islamic extremists. They include; existence of an influential leader, religious justification of actions, and strong belief in their cause. Firstly, these extremists hang on every word their influential leader, the late Osama bin Laden. As explained earlier by Psychologist scholars, people tend to adopt the ways of those they hold in high esteem within their group. In this case, Osama sought to make a worldwide statement that other countries ought to stay clear of the Middle East region. Therefore, he made sure that those who believed in him would remain united by a single cause. To cement his hold on his people further, he used their religion to bind them to his cause. As a result, many people found themselves believing in Osama's beliefs. Secondly, most extremists have already made peace with the actions they carry do. This is because they use religion to justify their actions. They claimed that their religion condones the killing of people who do not profess the Islamic faith. They refer to the war as ‘Jihad’ which means Holy War. Lastly, Islamist extremists possess strong beliefs. They believe that whatever they are fighting for is worth putting their lives in harm’s way. As a result, a rise in the number of suicide bombing among the fundamentalists occurred.1 In conclusion, Islamic extremist movements continue to be propagated by the strong sense of affiliation these fundamentalists have towards their group. Their revivalist ways of interpreting their Holy book and laws also contribute to their extremist acts of terror. The discourse between the modernist and revivalist groups shows that attaching stereotypes to Muslims is wrong. This is because modernists prove to be tolerant towards other religions. In addition, they hold intolerant attitudes towards the revivalists extreme behavior. Therefore, it is essential to note that Islam as a religion is not inimical, however, fundamentalist ways of interpreting its teachings prove to be inhumane and the main contributors of terrorist actions.3 Notes 1. Merari, Ariel. Driven to Death: Psychological and Social Aspects of Suicide Terrorism (London: Oxford University Press, 2010), 60-78 2. Post, M. Terrorist's Mind (New York: Palgrave MacMillan, 2008), 115-150 3. Wiktorowicz, Quintan. Radical Islam Rising: Muslim Extremism In The West (London: Rowman & Littlefield, 2005), 124-170 Bibliography Merari, Ariel. Driven to Death: Psychological and Social Aspects of Suicide Terrorism. London: Oxford University Press, 2010. Post, M. Terrorist's Mind. New York: Palgrave MacMillan, 2008. Wiktorowicz, Quintan. Radical Islam Rising: Muslim Extremism In The West. London: Rowman & Littlefield, 2005. Read More