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Published on: September 28, 2018
Suicidal protests: self-immolation, hunger strikes, or suicide bombing
1Psychology Program,The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey,Galloway,NJ 08205-9441.lesterd@stockton.eduwww.drdavidlester.net.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|August 28, 2014
Summary
This study explores why individuals select suicide bombing over other protest methods. It builds on Lankford
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Political Science
Background:
- Lankford's argument posits that suicide bombers are inherently suicidal.
- Understanding the motivations behind specific forms of suicidal protest is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons individuals opt for suicide bombing compared to other protest methods.
- To explore the psychological and social factors influencing this choice.
Main Methods:
- This study is primarily theoretical, building upon existing arguments and literature.
- It involves a qualitative analysis of potential motivations.
Main Results:
- Individuals may choose suicide bombing due to perceived effectiveness, group dynamics, or specific ideological factors.
- The choice may be influenced by the perceived impact and symbolic nature of the act.
Conclusions:
- The decision to engage in suicide bombing is complex, involving a confluence of individual, social, and political factors.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the specific drivers differentiating suicide bombing from other protest modalities.
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