A classification of terrorist groups

In contradistinction to existing typologies of terrorist organizations by ideology or intent, a functional classification is suggested. By analyzing terrorist groups according to their target population and base of operation, four basic types of organizations are delineated: Domestic‐based xenofighters, foreign‐based xenofighters, domestic‐based homofighters, and foreign‐based homofighters. On the basis of the operational objectives and specific limitations of these types of terrorist groups, it is proposed that xenofighters tend to adopt more indiscriminate tactics than homofighters, and that foreign‐based groups tend to perpetrate international terrorism, and are dependent on foreign countries’ support. Whereas the struggle against foreign‐based terrorists must focus on reducing the sponsoring countries’ motivation to support them, the battlefield regarding domestic‐based groups is home public opinion.     

论恐怖活动犯罪

恐怖活动犯罪是犯罪发展史上迄今为止最具有危险性的一种严重暴力犯罪。当前恐怖活动犯罪有犯罪主体多元化、动机多样化、犯罪手段科技化、犯罪的后果严重化、恐怖活动地区化国际化等特点。预防、减少恐怖活动犯罪须强化全民的反恐意识、建立反恐专业队伍、健全反恐怖活动犯罪的法律体系、加强地区、国家间的反恐合作力度等多方面努力。     

伦敦缘何屡遭恐怖袭击

英国标准时间7月7日上午,伦敦这座美丽的城市刚刚品尝到申奥成功的喜悦--赢得2012年夏季奥运会的举办权、成为迄今为止惟一三次获得奥运会举办权的城市,人们还没来得及为胜利尽情欢呼与庆祝,一场突如其来的连环恐怖袭击就降临了:位于市中心的5个地铁站几乎同时发生爆炸,紧接着地铁站附近的两辆公共汽车又遭到炸弹袭击.爆炸致使多辆公共汽车被毁,所有地铁停运,伦敦交通全面瘫痪.死亡人数达56人,受伤人数升达至700余人.     

Fundamentalism and the justification of terrorist violence

Islamist extremists in Afghanistan and elsewhere are exaggerating their successes in inflicting casualties on American and other International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) forces. This article quantifies the exaggeration for the month of November 2010, putting the claimed casualty rate at approximately one-half battalion per month. It provides an analysis of how and why this is occurring, and links this extremist strategic communication effort to dominant historical master narratives in the region that may produce sympathy among intended recipients of the messages. The authors argue that these measures undertaken by the extremists can be countered successfully through the use of similar story forms, more timely reporting, use of side-by-side comparisons, and use of similar reporting venues. These steps could challenge the credibility of the Taliban reports, reduce sympathy, and diminish potential recruitment.     

Notes on a psychodynamic theory of terrorist behavior

Abstract

Because of the diversity of terrorist groups and causes, there is no one terrorist “mindset.” Within this diversity it is useful to distinguish two major categories: the “anarchic‐ideologues,” such as the Red Army Faction, committed to destroying the world of their fathers; and the “nationalist‐secessionists,” such as ETA of the Basques, who carry on the mission of their fathers.

There is a tendency for marginal, isolated, and inadequate individuals from troubled family backgrounds to be attracted to the path of terrorism, so that for many, belonging to the terrorist group is the first time they truly belonged, and the group comes to represent family. This creates powerful pressures to conform within the group, for to disagree is to be seen as disloyal, and to risk losing the group. Organized against society, the group is seen as all good, and the outside society as all bad, this being the rationale for committing violent anti‐society acts.     

Organization and management practices of urban terrorist groups

Terrorists realize that ideological commitment to their organizational goals is a prerequisite to their survival as an effective fighting force. Consequently, they carefully avoid undertaking any intentional action which might fall beyond the umbrella of a real or a contrived popular cause. Thus, the terrorist has learned how to skillfully manipulte social conditions and grievances and execute specific criminal acts gauged to impact upon a preselected target audience. Additionally the management practices, cellular and columnar structures, personnel selection and internal control measures utilized by the terrorist are intended to enhance the effective and efficient achievement of his organizational goals and objectives. However, the American police, particularly, have caused terrorist groups to adjust their methods of operation, style of organization, and to carefully regulate and restrict their membership. The increased sophistication of the police, therefore, particularly in the areas of communication, mobility, and information, seems to have greatly impaired the organization and extension of terrorist groups in the United States.     

Organizational perspectives on the formation and disintegration of terrorist groups

Abstract

This article treats terrorist organizations as political interest groups. Starting from the assumption that terrorists are rational political actors, it follows that organizational considerations will play a role in the formation and decline of terrorist groups, just as is the case in other political organizations. The effects of several factors, including recruitment, ability to provide selective and purposive incentives, the need for entrepreneurial political leadership, competition from other organizations, the ability to attract outside support, and the ability to form coalitions with other groups, are considered.     

The Mother of All Solutions for the Global Crisis

The solidarity of the G‐20 nations in staving off global financial crisis two years ago has deteriorated into a brawl over currency valuations, trade imbalances and sovereign debt, reflecting the great powershift from the West to the East and the emerging economies. In this section, we invited comments from historians, a former head of state who successfully navigated the Asian financial crisis and a prominent Chinese dissident.     

"伊斯兰祈祷团":不容轻视的东南亚极端恐怖组织

"9·11"事件后,美国主导的反恐战争使基地组织遭到前所未有的打击,其高层领导纷纷落网.然而,在反恐战争进行得如火如荼之际,基地残余恐怖分子却化整为零、悄悄地转移阵地,渗透到安全措施相对宽松的东南亚,积极支持当地的恐怖组织进行活动.