Why People Become Terrorists - Coursework Example

Who Becomes A Terrorist and Why? Table of Contents Introduction 3 Review of Literature 4 Terrorism 4 People Who Become Terrorist 5 Reasons for Peopleto Become Terrorist 8 Critical Evaluation 11 Conclusion 14 References 15 Introduction In the present day scenario, the society has changed significantly owing to the advancement of technology along with globalizations of techniques and ideas across borders. Every nations of the world is moving towards immense development in a rapid manner altogether in various sectors of the society. However, there are various issues that prevail within the present day society, which one way or the other impact the people living within the society at large. In this context, the prevalence of terrorism is deemed to one of the significant issues that impacts people living in the society in a considerable manner altogether. The issue of terrorism is prevailing in various nations of the world in an extensive manner. It would not be ambiguous to state that almost every nation of the world in the present day scenario is under the influence of terrorism and its negative impacts. Notably, terrorism can be depicted as the acts of violence that is being conducted by people owing to certain specific reasons, which can relate to religion, ideology and self-belief among others. It has been understood that the issue of terrorism is one of the biggest and fiercest ones in the present day world. The acts involved in the execution of terrorism activities include bombings, mass killings and hijacking among others1. The activities involved in terrorism can be considered both illegal as well as unethical, which demolish basic rights of people living in the society. There involves the existence of uncountable number of large, medium and small terrorist groups that operates in various nations of the world, further involving in life threatening acts against the people living within the society. In this regard, it will be crucial to discuss the factors that influences or motivates an individual to become a terrorist and involve themselves in illegal activities against humanity2. Correspondingly, this particular research study will focus on comprehending people or individual who can be involved with terrorism. The study will also focus on comprehending the factors that can influence any particular individual to become a terrorist. Secondary sources will be taken into consideration in this context. Review of Literature Terrorism The concept of terrorism has gained a wider attention globally in the present day scenario. As per the article of United States Institute of Peace (n.d.), the concept of terrorism is quite complex and widespread in nature to comprehend. It is a particular aspect of human life that combines various experiences and practices of human life together that further results in undesirable impacts over the people living in the society3. In similar context, the article of Sage Publication (n.d.) presented understanding regarding the concept of terrorism in a more generalised and comprehensive manner. As per the published material, the concept of terrorism directly relates to the prevalence of terror within the society globally. The activities that can terrorise or frighten the people living in the society are deemed to hold resemblance with terrorism globally. In precise, the concept of terrorism can be defined as the activities, which are unlawful and unethical and are against the people in society at large4. People Who Become Terrorist It has been learnt that the concept of terrorism has extensively expanded globally with its existence or influence in almost nation of the world. The number of organizations that officially or unofficially operates as terrorist units has also increased or increasing significantly in the past few decades or so. However, it would crucial to mention that there are various resources required by these organizations in order to execute their illegal and unlawful operations in an effective manner. Correspondingly, the importance of human resources is deemed to be quite crucial for the organization to perform and function as per their desire. There is large number of people that joins these organizations on a daily basis owing to certain specific characteristics that prevail within themselves. As per the article of Atran (2008), people with certain specific characteristics involve with terrorism in the present day scenario. It is argued that children and youth are the main focus of these organizations to be included in their operations. Atran (2008), in this regard stated that the attitude and beliefs of people has major influence on people towards their approach of involving with any terrorist group. More specifically, people in the Islamic nations are believed to get attracted or involve with terrorism in a considerable manner. This is because of the fact that a large percentage of terrorist organization operating in the global environment has an Islamic background and attracts Islam participants in general on grounds of jihad and religious factors. As per the article of Atran (2008), there are millions of people worldwide, who are direct or indirect supporters of the movement of jihad, but at the same time, it will be ambiguous to state that each one of them becomes a terrorist one day. Atran (2008) also affirmed that with the advent of internet, exchange of information amid people in different parts of the world has become quite convenient and hence, it becomes an important means that influence people to join terrorism. Notably, it is quite probable that people may have sense of belief and values that relates to jihad. This belief is further ignited when people meet and interact with one another on similar topic, that one way or the other motivates them to involve with terrorism and work towards the betterment of their community, which they believe as noble and positive, though against the law. This aspect further depicts that, it is the surrounding of a particular individual that may influence him/her to become a terrorist to a major extent5. In similar regard, the article of Alex (2004) can also be taken into consideration. The article of Alex (2004) clearly affirmed that in the past, people with psychological or mental disorder is believed to get involve in terrorism or becomes a terrorist. During the period ranging 1960’s to 1980’s, people usually deemed to become terrorist owing to their behaviroal traits and perplexities. However, this perception has changed significantly in the recent years owing to the transformation of the society in a considerable manner altogether. In the present day scenario, Alex (2004) believed that people get influence towards terrorism or become a terrorist owing to mental illness at large. Alex (2004) also linked this viewpoint with the changing course of operational approaches of these organizations. Notably, there is large number of terrorist organization operating currently; their target of getting the right human resource has also become quite extensive and widespread. The research of the author suggested that psychological and mental behavior of people is deemed to be linked with one another especially in case of the people, who are involved with the activities of terrorism6. Extending more on this particular topic, the study of Lee (2011) can also be taken into consideration. It has been learnt from the study of Lee (2011) that there involves several factors owing to which any particular individual become a terrorist. As per the study, these factors generally include poverty, education as well as political origin of the people among others. Within the study of Lee (2011), it has been extensively argued that lack of proper education along with the prevalence of poverty amid people in the present day society often force or influence people to involve in violent activities and ultimately become terrorist at one point of time. It is quite a common perception that people who has inadequate knowledge and learning have different behaviroal traits when compared to others. Education is one of the prime aspects that shape the behavior of any individual towards a positive direction at large. It acquaints people with the ability to understand the difference between right and wrong and likewise, enable them to make appropriate decisions. However, the study of Lee (2011) implied that people lacking in the domain of education may not be able to make better decisions and likewise, the chances of them to involve in political conflicts, violence and terrorism is quite evident. In similar regard, the study of Lee (2011) also depicted about the aspect of poverty and lack of wealth as one of the prime reasons that can influence behavior of people towards violence and terrorism. It is notable from the study that poverty is a particular determinant that can influence violence amid an individual in a significant manner altogether. Political leaders in this context often claimed that dealing against poverty with effective measures can be regarded as effective measures that can be implemented to fight terror and terrorism in the most convincing manner. The study depicted that terrorist organization often take advantage of poverty of people and offer them considerable monetary benefits to influence them towards joining the group and fight for jihad movement. This aspect is widely prevalent in many of the Islamic nations of the world. Apart from that, Lee (2011) depicted that political origin of a particular individual may also decide his/her choice of associating with a particular terrorist organization. Lee (2011) affirmed that people belonging to a violent and disturbed political background, perhaps have higher chances to depict an inappropriate behavior and join terrorism7. Reasons for People to Become Terrorist There are certain specific reasons along with factors that can influence people to become terrorist and act against the society and the law. It is believed that the youth of the nations in the present day scenario are very much appreciative towards violence and terrorism. As per the article of Hoffman (2013) with involving in terrorism, people especially including the youth seek to make identify for themselves in the global level. They deemed it to be the easiest means through which one can earn a better life for them at large. There are also certain behaviroal implications among individuals, which influence them to join any terrorist organization8. In this regard, the study of Angelis (2009) depicted that people who possess a violent behavior within themselves have less fear of any particular outcome, which further make them the most appropriate target for the terrorist groups in most of the scenarios. Apart from that, the prevalence of mental illness amid people is deemed as one of the influencing factors that can end up ensuring people joining any particular terrorist group. These aspects can also be determined from the analysis presented earlier9. Extending more on this particular aspect, the study of Hudson (1999) provided a different angle with regard to the factors that can lead to an individual’s association with terrorism. Psychological factors associated with this particular concept are also deemed to influence the behavior of individuals to join terrorism to a significant extent altogether10. In this regard, the study of Hudson (1999) also mentioned that psychological imbalance can be major reasons for people joining terrorism or becoming a terrorist. This is because of the fact that owing to this particular aspect people hardly possesses the ability to choose between right and wrong and make their decisions. It is also believed that terrorists have different ways of thinking, where what is right for the people in society, might not be right for them and vice versa. This aspect can be justified from their rebellious way of thinking and involving in activities that are illegal, unlawful and unethical at the same time. As per the study of Stern (2010), the values and beliefs of people also can be seen as a factor that can lead to people joining any particular terrorist group. It is believed that people involved with any terrorist group often deemed to show maximum sternness in their beliefs and goals irrespective of whether their objectives is in alignment with the society. People who join terrorism and conduct illegal activities generally possess the feeling that they are not being seen equally within the society. They also see themselves as victims of political and social injustice, which further influence them to join or become a part of groups, which fight against such socio-political injustice. They seek to protect their rights and positioning within the society through conducting activities that are generally against the wellbeing of the society at large. In similar regard, the study of Stern (2010) also depicted about the religious factors that perhaps acts as the most vital reasons that influence people to become a terrorist. It is a general perception that a large number of terrorist groups operating in the present day scenario are extensively involved with the Islamic religion. People are provoked to be involved with terrorism on the basis of religious sentiments and protection of the same. Some of the most notable terrorist organization including Al-Qaeda and ISIS acquire people from different parts of the world especially including the Islamic nations on the basis of influencing their religious sentiments in a negative manner11. Extending more on this particular topic, the study of Stern (2010) can also be taken into consideration. Notably, the study depicted that children are among the most prominent targets for the prevailing terrorist organization. This is because of the fact that children can be easily influenced in the name of better lifestyle, religious sentiments and other aspects when compared to adults. This aspect can also be regarded as widely prevalent in many of the Islamic nations where terrorist groups operates12. Critical Evaluation From the above analysis of the paper, it is quite apparent that terrorism is one of the most prominent issues that are prevailing in the present day scenario worldwide. The increasing influence of the concept of terrorism in the present day society is often a major issue that needs to be addressed appropriately. However, it is quite evident that proper handling of terrorism is extensively related to the factors that influence people to join terrorism. In this regard, the study has focused on understanding the factors that motivates people to join terrorism or associate with a terrorist group. Notably, there exist large number of reasons and factors that influence people to associate with the illegal activities of terrorism. In this regard, it has been seen that people associated with terrorism are largely mentally unstable and deals with major psychological disorders. This perception prevails within people during the period 1900s. However, in the present day scenario, this particular belief of the people can be contradicted, since the criteria for people to join terrorism have changed immensely. In the current environment, terrorist groups are believed to be joined by people who are mentally stable, as there are various strategic aspects of the operations of terrorist organization that these people require to adhere13. Hence, it is evident that there are two ways of analysing the psychological aspects of people associating with terrorism. It has also been comprehended that people who get involved in the activities of terrorism are more or less influenced by the religious factors and sentiments. Notably, the influence of religion upon people towards joining any particular terrorist group is quite evident. People are being persuaded on the basis of their religious sentiments owing to their communal values and beliefs. This can be justified from the fact that a large number of Islamic terrorist groups are operating on religious grounds and protection of religious sentiments at large. These findings from the review of literature can be considered as justified and relevant in the current scenario. This aspect can further be justified with the help of the past data relevant to this particular issue of association of the terrorism with regions. It is believed that the prevalence of terrorism is quite abundant and extensive within the Islam, since most of the Islamic groups of terrorist are involved in acquiring people from their religion by influencing the people on the basis of their sentiments and love towards their own community14. In this regard, it is widely believed that Islam is the religion that is responsible for extensive terrorism all over the world especially on the basis of their religious sentiments ad beliefs. However, there lies a contradictory point of view with regard to this particular aspect that needs to be presented apparently. As per a recent report, a large percentage of terrorist active in various parts of the world including the US is non-Islamic in terms of religion. When seen in a round of percentage of 100, only a mere 6% of Islam is believed to be associated with terrorism, while the rest belongs to different set of religion. Though this particular data depicts that various religion are involved in terrorism in the present day scenario, it still shows religion as a prime reason for people to get involve in terrorism activities15;16. Hence, with due regard to this particular aspect, it can be affirmed that religion and beliefs associated with it is indeed a vital aspect that influence people to join terrorist group at large. Psychological factors along with stern beliefs and values have also been highlighted as a prime reason that can result in individuals involving in terrorism. It has been learnt from the analysis of secondary sources that people who are extensively involved in terrorism activities are deemed to hold stern beliefs with regard to their values and thinking, which can also be determined from the level of their dedication towards their objectives, despite of it being illogical, illegal and against the society and law. In this regard, it is believed that an individual with mental instability would certainly have less ability to segregate amid right and wrong and legal or illegal, which further influence his/her decisions making in a significant manner altogether. This aspect can also be considered in alignment with the mind set and approach of people who joins terrorism. Notably, in many of the past attacks including the famous 9/11 in the US, terrorist risk their life and even lost the same to attain their objective, irrespective of the fact that it was against humanity and the law17;18. These aspects also depicts about the psychological issues that influence any individual to join terrorism. It has also been comprehended from the analysis of the past research that people also involve themselves with terrorism activities owing to the fact that it enables them to ensure a proper lifestyle for themselves with availing themselves with all the basic needs of life. This belief can further be affirmed from the fact that people who join terrorism get a hefty amount of monetary assistance from such organization that can enable his/her family members to lead a better life in the long run19. This aspect can further be affirmed and justified from the reports published in the recent years regarding this particular issue. Evidently, ISIS is one of the prime organizations of terrorist that has been actively operating in the recent years. It is recognised that a large percentage of women and youth join the organization every year. It is believed that one of the prime reasons for people to join the organization include their attraction towards monetary benefits provided by the same. In this regard, the research suggested that ISIS pay people for their food, home as well as for the purpose of other day-to-day needs of the people. The organization recruits people especially with the promise to ensure better living condition for people and their family members20. Hence, from the overall analysis, it is quite apparent that there are various factors that together comprise the reasons for people to join terrorism and conduct illegal and unlawful activities. Conclusion From the overall analysis of the paper, several key facts relevant to the topic of the research can be apparently presented, so that the overall objectives of the research could be attained significantly. It has been learnt that terrorism has slowly and steadily become one of the prime social and political concerns in the present day scenario. The concept and the influence of terrorism are widely prevalent in various nations of the world. Terrorism activities impact the people living within the global society in a significant manner altogether. In this regard, understanding the motivation of people all over the world towards joining terrorist organization is deemed to be quite vital to discuss. It has been learnt that human resources are vital for the terrorist to execute their operations in an effective manner. Correspondingly, it is believed that people owing to certain reasons including psychological factors, monetary benefits, religious sentiments and misguidance join terrorist groups at large. Since these groups deemed to offer a better life to the people, they get influenced to be associated with the same. Again, people who are deemed to dealing with psychological issues along with mental imbalances might also be an important target for the terrorist groups all over the world. Correspondingly, in similar regard, it has also been comprehended from the study that poverty and lack of education can also act as a potential reason that can ensure people’s association with terrorism in a comprehensive manner. Apart from that, large number of people also joins terrorism owing their religious beliefs and values. Hence, from the overall study, it can be concluded that there indeed prevail various reasons that can certainly motivate people to become a terrorist. References Abc News. “Selling the Fantasy: Why Young Western Women Would Join ISIS.” Home, 2015. Accessed March 10, 2015. http://abcnews.go.com/International/young-women-join-isis/story?id=29112401 Angelis, Tori De. “Understanding Terrorism.” American Psychological Association 40 (2009): 1-60. Alex, O-Connor. “Understanding Who Becomes Terrorists.” Journal of Young Investigators (2004). Atran, Scott. “Who Becomes a Terrorist Today?” Terrorism Research Initiative 2 (2008). Hudson, Rex. A. “The Sociology and Psychology Of Terrorism: Who Becomes A Terrorist and Why?” The Library of Congress, 1999. Accessed March 10, 2015. http://fas.org/irp/threat/frd.html. Harris, Amy Julia. “Islam Judged More Harshly Than Other Religions In Terrorist Attacks.” International, 2015. Accessed March 10, 2015. http://www.revealnews.org/article/islam-judged-more-harshly-than-other-religions-in-terrorist-attacks/ History. “9/11 Timeline.” Home, 2001. Accessed March 10, 2015. http://www.history.com/topics/9-11-attacks. Hoffman, Bruce. “Why People Become Terrorists.” The Daily Beast, 2013. Accessed March 10, 2015. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/04/27/answers-to-why-people-become-terrorists.html. Institution of Economy and Peace. “Global Terrorism Index.” Measuring and Understanding The Impact Of Terrorism, 2014. Accessed March 10, 2015. http://www.visionofhumanity.org/sites/default/files/Global%20Terrorism%20Index%20Report%202014_0.pdf. Loonwatch. “All Terrorists are Muslims…Except the 94% that Aren’t.” Home, 2010. Accessed March 10, 2015. http://www.loonwatch.com/2010/01/not-all-terrorists-are-muslims/ Lee, Alexander. “Who Becomes a Terrorist?: Poverty, Education, and the Origins of Political Violence.” Cambridge University Press 63 (2011): 203-245. Rasmussen, Maria. “Who Does Not Become a Terrorist, and Why? Towards an Empirically Grounded Understanding of Individual Motivation in Violence and Non-Violence.” Home, 2013. Accessed March 10, 2015. http://minerva.dtic.mil/doc/abstracts/Rasmussen_WhoNotTerrorist_FY13.pdf. Stern, Jessica. “5 Myths About Who Becomes A Terrorist.” The Washington Post, 2010. Accessed March 10, 2015. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/08/AR2010010803585.html. Sage Publication. “What Is Terrorism?.” Home, n.d. Accessed March 10, 2015. http://www.sagepub.in/upm-data/51172_ch_1.pdf. United States Institute of Peace. “International Terrorism: Definitions, Causes, and Responses.” Teaching Guide, n.d. Accessed March 10, 2015. http://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/terrorism.pdf. Victoroff, Jeff. “The Mind of the Terrorist: A Review and Critique of Psychological Approaches.” Sage 49 (2005): 3-42. Read More