"When hatred is bred in the bone:" the social psychology of terrorism

Terrorists are not crazed fanatics. Indeed, terrorist groups screen out emotionally unstable individuals--they would be a security risk. Rather it is group, organizational, and social psychology, with particular emphasis on collective identity that motivates terrorist behavior. There is a diverse spectrum of terrorist psychologies and motivations. In terms of generational provenance, nationalist-separatist terrorists are carrying on the mission of their parents-they are loyal to families who have been damaged by the regime. In contrast, social-revolutionary terrorists are disloyal to families who are loyal to the regime. Religious fundamentalist terrorists are "killing in the name of God." Suicide, proscribed by the Koran, has been reframed as martyrdom, which is highly valued. The new media, especially the Internet, have played an increasingly prominent role in radicalizing individuals, creating a virtual community of hatred. Understanding terrorist psychology is crucial to formulating effective counter-terrorist strategy. Key elements include inhibiting potential terrorists from joining the group, creating tension within the group, facilitating exit from the group, reducing support for the group, and delegitimating its leader.