How terrorism works terrorism as a disequalizing input to the social system

Abstract

This thesis uses social system equilibrium theory to answer the question how terrorism works. Counterterrorism policy can benefit from a systems analysis of both terrorist groups and targeted social systems. Current terrorism theory does not adequately address the broad question of how terrorism causes political-social change and is thus of limited use to counter strategic terrorist objectives. This thesis proposes the Dynamic Equilibrium Theory of Terrorism (DETT) as a social systems framework for understanding how terrorism causes change. The social system is examined as a complex living system composed of two primary components; value and environment. These two components exist in dynamic equilibrium, a homeostatic process of balance which functions to keep the system operating within normal parameters. When these components are out of balance, changes occur within the system. If the value-environment relationship is significantly out of balance, the system may enter disequilibrium, characterized by dysfunction and a high likelihood of violence. Terrorism is a unique political weapon because it targets a social system's equilibrium in order to force change. It is a violent environmental input at immediate and recognizable odds with a system's value and as such disrupts the value-environment equilibrium. The DETT theory offered in this thesis is used to examine Al Qaeda and the attacks of 9/11. Theses attacks were a terrorist input that disrupted our social system equilibrium and forced changes.