Suicide terrorism in America?: the complex social conditions of this phenomenon and the implications for homeland security
Download
Author
Fleece, Richard J.
Date
2012-12Advisor
Brannan, David
Strindberg, Anders
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
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.
Description
Outstanding Thesis
CHDS State/Local
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Homeland Security Affairs Journal, Volume II - 2006: Issue 2, July
Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) (Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate SchoolCenter for Homeland Defense and Security, 2006-07);July 2006. The July 2006 issue of Homeland Security Affairs offers articles about risk perception, domestic right wing extremist groups, social network analysis, and the impact of foreign policy on homeland security. It ... -
Agency and structure as determinants of female suicide terrorism a comparative study of three conflict regions
Dearing, Matthew P. (Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School, 2009-12);This thesis addresses the question, why do some insurgent groups use female suicide bombers while others avoid this tactic? Afghanistan is an example of a conflict zone where the propensity for female suicide terrorism is ... -
Understanding Female Suicide Terrorism in Sri Lanka through a Constructivist Lens; Strategic Insights, v. 9, issue 1 (Spring-Summer 2010) ; pp. 90-115
Dearing, Matthew P. (Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School, 2010);Suicide terrorism has been an increasing phenomenon with global implications since the 1980s. There have been over 1,944 suicide attacks globally, most emanating from Islamic fundamentalist organizations. However, many ...