Abstract
Terrorism has become a global security threat that requires interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to address. The challenge posed by it is huge and can only be minimized through the collective efforts of stakeholders. Therefore, this study explores mass violence as a global phenomenon with its consequences on security of lives and properties. Terrorism as an act of mass violence hinged on ideological persuasions has become a great challenge in many parts of the world. In addition to surging cases of conventional terrorism, lone wolf terrorism seems to be seeking special research attention, considering its continued prevalence and multifaceted evolvement and peculiarities. Definitional complexity seems to continue to blur the understanding of lone wolf terrorism as authorities differ in their approaches to definitions. However, all definitional positions point to the lethality of lone wolf terrorism. The study systemically applies ecological system theory to provide measures for the mitigation of mass violence with an emphasis on lone wolf terrorism.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Lone Wolf Terrorism: Lone wolf terrorism refers to a terrorist attack of an individual acting alone or with minimal support from one or two persons in order to achieve a political, social, or religious ideological goals.
Threats: Threats are security conditions that can cause undesirable consequences or impacts on lives or properties. It could be verbal warning or physical conditions meant to create fear on a target population.
Mitigate: Mitigate means to lessen the intensity of act or condition. In this chapter, mitigate is used to mean taking steps to lessen or to counter acts of terrorism.
Radicalization: Radicalization refers to a process of accepting a radical position that could be influenced by political, religious, or racial ideological persuasions.
Terrorism: Terrorism in this chapter refers to any unlawful use of violence and intimidation on people, especially on a civilian population in order to pursue religious, political or racial ideological goals.
Pre-Attack Behaviors: This refers to all behaviors demonstrated by a terrorist in preparation for an attack. It could be manifestoes posted on social media or comments related to a planned future attack.
Mass Violence: Mass violence in this chapter refers to an attack that involves killing or injuring four or more people.
Counterterrorism: Counterterrorism refers to activities of government or security agents aimed at preventing or quashing terrorism.