TY - JOUR
T1 - Terrorist (E)motives: The Existential Attractions of Terrorism
AU - Cottee, S.R.
AU - Cottee, S.
AU - Hayward, K.
PY - 2011/11/17
Y1 - 2011/11/17
N2 - This article describes a number of possible existential motivations for engaging in terrorism. Three in particular are identified: (1) the desire for excitement, (2) the desire for ultimate meaning, and (3) the desire for glory. Terrorism, according to the argument set out here, is as much a site of individual self-drama and self-reinvention as a tactical instrument for pursuing the political goals of small groups. The conclusion explores the concept of “existential frustration,” and suggests that terrorist activity may provide an outlet for basic existential desires that cannot find expression through legitimate channels.
AB - This article describes a number of possible existential motivations for engaging in terrorism. Three in particular are identified: (1) the desire for excitement, (2) the desire for ultimate meaning, and (3) the desire for glory. Terrorism, according to the argument set out here, is as much a site of individual self-drama and self-reinvention as a tactical instrument for pursuing the political goals of small groups. The conclusion explores the concept of “existential frustration,” and suggests that terrorist activity may provide an outlet for basic existential desires that cannot find expression through legitimate channels.
U2 - 10.1080/1057610X.2011.621116
DO - 10.1080/1057610X.2011.621116
M3 - Article
SN - 1057-610X
VL - 34
SP - 963
EP - 986
JO - Studies in Conflict and Terrorism
JF - Studies in Conflict and Terrorism
IS - 12
ER -
