Understanding Lone Wolf Terrorism

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-viii

   PDF

2. Introduction

   • Ramón Spaaij

   Pages 1-7

3. A Note on Method

   • Ramón Spaaij

   Pages 9-14

4. Definition of Lone Wolf Terrorism

   • Ramón Spaaij

   Pages 15-22

5. Incidence and Evolution

   • Ramón Spaaij

   Pages 23-35

6. Motivations and Ideologies

   • Ramón Spaaij

   Pages 37-46

7. Influences and Radicalization

   • Ramón Spaaij

   Pages 47-64

8. Modus Operandi

   • Ramón Spaaij

   Pages 65-76

9. Responses

   • Ramón Spaaij

   Pages 77-96

10. Conclusion and Outlook

    • Ramón Spaaij

    Pages 97-102

11. Back Matter

    Pages 103-119

    PDF

What drives the lone wolf terrorist to commit mass violence? What are their ideologies and motivations? How do they plan and carry out their attacks, and who do they target? How can lone wolf terrorism be effectively countered? One of the first in-depth analyses of lone wolf terrorism, this publication sets out to answer these questions. Drawing on extensive international data and qualitative case studies, it examines the global patterns in and key features of lone wolf terrorism over the past four decades. This engaging text will be essential reading for students and researchers on terrorism and violent conflict and offers unique and invaluable insights to those working to prevent or minimize the effects of terrorism and political violence.

• Breivik
• Counter-Terrorism
• Individual terrorism
• Lone Wolf
• Political Violence
• Radizalization
• Solo terrorism
• Solo terrorist
• Terrorism

From the reviews:

“A new report has shed light on the growing threat of terrorist attacks carried out by individuals. … For the first time, an in-depth analysis is provided of the key features of lone wolf terrorism worldwide over the last four decades. The report provides insights for those working to prevent or minimize the effects of terrorism and political violence, by exploring what drives the lone wolf terrorist to commit mass violence and discussing how this phenomenon can be countered effectively.” (Newstrack India, December, 2011)

“Understanding Lone Wolf Terrorism thus comes at a welcome time and succeeds in making this complex phenomenon comprehensible. … Ramon Spaaij’s slim but highly significant account is the first to crunch the numbers on lone-wolf terrorism. … this necessary first monograph on the study of lone-wolf terrorism, Spaaij helpfully turns to responses: both professionals’ and the public’s.” (Matthew Feldman, Times Higher Education, May, 2012)

• Melbourne Campus, School of Social Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia

  Ramon Spaaij

Ramón Spaaij is a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Social Sciences at La Trobe University, Australia, and the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam. He has lectured at several universities in the areas of sociology, sport studies and conflict studies. Spaaij’s main research expertise is in the sociology of sport, social capital, socialization, social exclusion, and terrorism and political violence. He has published nine books including recent titles such as Sport and Social Mobility: Crossing Boundaries (Routledge, 2011) and The Social Impact of Sport: Cross-Cultural Perspectives (edited, Routledge, 2010). He is co-author of the book Trends in Terrorisme (Kluwer, 2003) and has published on various aspects of terrorism and political violence. His work has appeared in a wide range of international media.

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