NCJ Number
152257
Journal
Criminologist Volume: 18 Issue: 3 Dated: (Autumn 1994) Pages: 130-140
Date Published
1994
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article examines both professional and political terrorists and their involvement in state and anti-state terrorism.
Abstract
Professional terrorists have a deep-seated resentment of all forms of government and society and dedicate themselves to their destruction. Professionals tend to function internationally and some indulge in varying degrees of psychopathic behavior which is quite distinct for psychosis and neurosis. Professionals supply the punishers within terrorist organizations. They have no political affiliations and simply work for money. Political terrorists seek to reform society and have a love-hate relationship with society which leads to frustration, rage and mental conflict. They rationalize their violent and aggressive behavior by concluding that their activities are justified, often invoking idealism as an excuse for their crimes. They tend to be young, well educated and of middle-class socioeconomic status. The author examines hereditary and psychological factors influencing terrorists; attitudes toward terrorism; terrorism and antiterrorism tactics; victims of terrorism; the treatment of children exposed to riot situations created by terrorists. References