The age of lone wolf terrorism / Mark S. Hamm and Ramon Spaaij.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hamm, Mark S., author.

Spaaij, R. F. J. (Ramon F. J.), author.

Series:

Studies in transgression

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Terrorists--Psychology.

Terrorists.

Radicalization.

Terrorism--Prevention.

Terrorism.

Physical Description:

x, 322 pages ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

New York : Columbia University Press, [2017]

Summary:

The lethality of lone-wolf terrorism has reached an all-time high in the United States. Isolated individuals using firearms with high-capacity magazines are committing brutally efficient killings with the aim of terrorizing others, yet there is little consensus on what connects these crimes and the motivations behind them. Terrorism experts Mark S. Hamm and Ramon Spaaij combine criminological theory with empirical and ethnographic research to map the pathways of lone-wolf radicalization, helping with the identification of suspected individuals and recognizing patterns of indoctrination. Reviewing comprehensive data on these actors, including more than 200 terrorist incidents, Hamm and Spaaij find that a combination of personal and political grievances lead lone wolves to befriend online sympathizers-whether jihadists, white supremacists, or other antigovernment extremists-and then announce their intent to commit terror when triggered. Hamm and Spaaij carefully distinguish between lone wolves and individuals radicalized within a group dynamic. This important difference is what makes this book such a significant manual for professionals seeking richer insight into the transformation of alienated individuals into armed warriors. Hamm and Spaaij conclude with an analysis of recent FBI sting operations designed to prevent lone-wolf terrorism in the United States, describing who gets targeted, strategies for luring suspects, and the ethics of arresting and prosecuting citizens.

Contents:

Introduction: the age of lone wolf terrorism

Identifying commonalities among lone wolf terrorists

Old wine in new skin : reimagining lone wolf terrorism

The American lone wolf terrorist : trends, modus operandi, and background factors

The roots of radicalization

The enablers

Broadcasting intent : the key to preventing lone wolf terrorism

Triggering events

The radicalization model of lone wolf terrorism

The Little Rock military shooting

The Pittsburgh police shooting

Lone wolf sting operations

Lone wolf terrorism and FBI mythmaking

Conclusion: aftermath : countering lone wolf terrorism

Appendix: list of cases

Notes

Index.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780231181747

0231181744

9780231543774

0231543778

OCLC:

962008024