NCJ Number
93018
Date Published
1982
Length
0 pages
Annotation
The filmstrip uses the recent kidnapping of U.S. General James Dozier by Italian terrorists to focus viewer attention on the recent proliferation of terrorist activity against Americans at home and abroad. The program develops an understanding of the motivation, methods, and organization of many of today's terrorist groups.
Abstract
Terrorism is defined as a violent act committed by groups or individuals for a political purpose. The use of threat of violence serves to gain media attention to help further the terrorists' political goals. This quest for publicity serves as the hallmark of all terrorist activity. A typical terrorist organization is described, along with a typical individual terrorist (a young man in his early 20's from a middle- or upper-class family). The views of Dr. Steve Pieczenik, a practicing psychiatrist and experienced hostage negotiator, are introduced. He classifies three distinct types of terrorists: rational ideologs, sociopaths, and psychotics. The program concludes by dispelling popular misconceptions about internationally organized and financed terrorist organizations. Although clear evidence exists that Libya, North Korea, Yemen, and Cuba have established training centers for terrorist organizations, no proof exists to support the notion that foreign governments force people to become terrorists or that the Soviet Union directs an international network of terrorist activities. However, the Soviets do support many wars of national liberation that rely heavily on terrorist activities. (Author summary modified)