Abstract
Terrorism is a policy based on the systematic use of terror. Despite the legal force of the term “terrorism,” its definition up to the present time remains ambiguous. But experts agree that the best definition of terrorism is the achievement of political, ideological, economic, and religious goals by violent means. Synonyms of the word “terror” (Latin terror – fear, horror) are the words “violence” and “intimidation.” This term became widespread in various countries after the “Age of Terror” during the Great French Revolution. During the discussion about terrorism, one of the main directions of this phenomena represents the terrorist psychology. Thus, in the chapter attention is paid to the psychological aspects of terrorism, including the determination of the main types of terrorism and psychological characteristics of the terrorists and terrorist groups.
TopIntroduction
Currently, the study of the topic “Psychology of Terrorism” is especially relevant in connection with the increase in the number of terrorist attacks committed by various terrorist organizations around the world. The constant threat of terror leads to the destabilization of the political, economic and social situation in the state. Lack of confidence in personal safety contributes to the growth of anxiety, fears, and mental stress, which negatively affects psychological health, leading to the development of various psychosomatic disorders among the population. The genesis of the concept of “terrorism”, the history of terrorism, the psychology of the personality of terrorists and terrorist groups, the victimology of terrorism, methods of providing psychological first aid in terrorist attacks, methods of negotiating with terrorists, technologies for forming a model of safe behavior are the main issues that are disclosed in this chapter.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Psychology: The scientific study of mind and behavior. Psychology includes the study of conscious and unconscious phenomena, including feelings and thoughts. It is an academic discipline of immense scope, crossing the boundaries between the natural and social sciences. Psychologists seek an understanding of the emergent properties of brains, linking the discipline to neuroscience. As social scientists, psychologists aim to understand the behavior of individuals and groups.
Terrorism: Premeditated violence perpetrated against non-combat targets by subnational or transnational groups or clandestine agents usually intended to influence an audience.
Types of Terrorism: One popular typology identifies three broad classes of terrorism: revolutionary, subrevolutionary, and establishment. Although this typology has been criticized as inexhaustive, it provides a useful framework for understanding and evaluating terrorist activities.