This study examined the impact of opportunity, group structure, and temporally patterned precursor activities on far-right terrorism outcomes in the United States, using data from the American Terrorism Study (ATS).
Terrorism prevention has become the top priority among law enforcement and homeland security officials. To date, however, little empirical research has been conducted that directly compares the characteristics of successful terrorist attacks to failed and foiled terrorism incidents. In addressing this research gap, the current study found partial support for expectations that attractive and vulnerable targets, loners, conventional weaponry, and relatively fewer precursor activities are significantly associated with successful incidents. (Publisher abstract modified)