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Discussing Concepts Of Terrorist Rationality: Implications For Counterterrorism Policy

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  • Eric van Um

Abstract

Many researchers on terrorism tend to characterize terrorists as instrumentally rational and politically motivated. Empirically, however, terrorists often seem to deviate from instrumentally rational behavior and to be motivated by other than political reasons. This paper details the explanatory power of various concepts of terrorist rationality incorporating motivations beyond political ones. Results show that none of the concepts discussed accounts for all terrorist actions but all of the concepts are capable of explaining certain aspects of the phenomenon of terrorism. A discussion follows on the appropriateness of specific counterterrorism measures for the concepts of rationality and motivations identified.

Suggested Citation

  • Eric van Um, 2011. "Discussing Concepts Of Terrorist Rationality: Implications For Counterterrorism Policy," Defence and Peace Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(2), pages 161-179.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:defpea:v:22:y:2011:i:2:p:161-179
    DOI: 10.1080/10242694.2011.542337
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    Cited by:

    1. Auer, Daniel & Meierrieks, Daniel, 2021. "Merchants of death: Arms imports and terrorism," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    2. Andrew Greenland & Damon Proulx & David A Savage, 2020. "Dying for the cause: The rationality of martyrs, suicide bombers and self-immolators," Rationality and Society, , vol. 32(1), pages 93-115, February.

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