The Psychology of the Terrorist. Why People Start Killing for an Idea

Terrorism is not just a terrible evil; it is one of the most complex problems of modernity, the solution to which humanity still has to find. John Horgan, a recognized expert in the psychology of terrorism, describes in his book the mechanisms that lead ordinary people down the path of violent extremism. Their actions are often driven by a destructive ideology that justifies the use of violence in the name of greater goals; however, the motivations of terrorists may seem rational only to themselves. The author draws on twenty years of research experience and offers readers a unique analysis of the mindset, behavior, and ideology of participants in various terrorist organizations. He debunks myths about terrorism, analyzes the role of advanced technologies in shaping the face of terror in the 21st century, and also offers measures that can help in the deradicalization and rehabilitation of participants in extremist groups. This book convincingly proves that the fight against terrorism requires not only military force and political will but also a deep understanding of its social and psychological roots.