The psychological basis of terrorist behavior is poorly understood, as are the ways in which the conditions for generating conflict affect the individual. Counterterrorism has been preoccupied with military and law-enforcement responses, often with a focus on simple analysis and technical solutions. The article suggests that comparative studies of terrorist movements would benefit from process approaches, for example comparing the movement into and out of violence, with respect to tactical, strategic, and other types of escalation and de-escalation and the types of organizational issues that emerge for the "followers" as a result. Tools available to the counterterrorist specialist include not only military intervention but psychological tools, the responsible and informed use of psychological principles in developing operational policy, educating the public about terrorism, and informing people in such a way that support for counterterrorist operations is guaranteed.