Different reasons why individuals and groups decide to engage in terrorism
As your textbook points out, there are a few different reasons why individuals and groups decide to engage in terrorism. While there is no universal cause underlying these decisions, there are several common factors that push activism and extremism across the line into deliberate, planned, politically-oriented violence. The advent of Al Qaeda in the 1990s is a classic case: Watch the following video interview of Osama Bin Laden, by CNN: External Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orawG7vt68o
First, answer the basic question: What are the stated goals declared by Osama Bin Laden? Next, analyze his words and determine, based on Chapter 3 of your textbook, the theory that best explains his decision to declare war on the United States:
- Political violence as a Strategic Choice?
- Political violence as the fruits of Injustice?
- Moral Justifications for Political Violence?
- Or perhaps a combination of two or more? None of the above?
This is a crucial first step in understanding terrorism: move past “evil/good” and use sound theory and logic to determine why Osama Bin Laden declared war on the United States.
Answer preview for Different reasons why individuals and groups decide to engage in terrorism
Access the full answer containing 195 words by clicking the below purchase button