Suicide terrorism in America?: the complex social conditions of this phenomenon and the implications for homeland security
Authors
Fleece, Richard J.
Subjects
Suicide Terrorism
Suicide Bombing
Social Identity Theory
Intergroup Relations Theory
Complex Systems
Culture of Honor
Suicide Bombing
Social Identity Theory
Intergroup Relations Theory
Complex Systems
Culture of Honor
Advisors
Brannan, David
Strindberg, Anders
Date of Issue
2012-12
Date
Dec-12
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This research applies social identity and intergroup relations theory to the phenomenon of suicide terrorism and develops a framework that can be used to better understand the threat of suicide terrorism and the implications for United States homeland security. Suicide terrorism is growing worldwide and is becoming more geographically diverse. Traditional studies of suicide terrorism tend to seek causal explanations of the phenomenon. This research uses a grounded theory approach to study the phenomenon that seeks to offer insight, enhance understanding, and provide a meaningful framework for understanding. The findings of this research recommend an alternate framework for understanding suicide terrorism based on the application of social identity theory and intergroup relations theory. Through the identification of alternative normative accounts in the choices that individuals make, this research is able to identify the complex social conditions of suicide terrorism and argues that the phenomenon is driven by powerful socio-cultural systems that prey on an individuals basic identity needs.
Type
Thesis
Description
Outstanding Thesis
CHDS State/Local
CHDS State/Local
Series/Report No
NPS Outstanding Theses and Dissertations
Department
National Security Affairs
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.