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Mindsets of High-Technology Terrorists - Future Implications From an Historical Analog

NCJ Number
82799
Author(s)
D Ronfeldt; W Sater
Date Published
1981
Length
38 pages
Annotation
This study examines the psychology of 19th century dynamite terrorists as an historical analog that may provide insights into the psychological and political attributes of possible future nuclear terrorists.
Abstract
One set of themes concerns the philosophical, even metaphysical, nature of the power that the terrorists attributed to dynamite: super-explosives represent 'power to the people;' scientific power; a moral form of power; a humane form of power; or a mystical, magical kind of power. The most dangerous mindset would probably combine all these themes, but the use of high technology super-explosives seems partcularly appealing to terrorists who have more interest in wielding 'scientific power' than in promoting 'power to the people.' Another set of themes concerns the uses of such power. The objectives of past dynamite terrorists included attracting attention to demands, avenging wrongs, defending the interests of the weak, introducing radical reforms in a system, and eradicating the existing social order. The most dangerous mindset would probably emphasize a combination of vengeful punishment and millenial destruction. Historical analogy suggests that similar patterns should be expected among possible future terrorists, especially if those terrorists are able to acquire or make improvised nuclear devices. A total of 49 notes are included. (Author summary modified)