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Terrorist (E)motives: The existential attractions of terrorism

Cottee, Simon, Hayward, Keith J. (2011) Terrorist (E)motives: The existential attractions of terrorism. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 34 (12). pp. 963-986. ISSN 1057-610X. (doi:10.1080/1057610X.2011.621116) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:35749)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1057610X.2011.621116

Abstract

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. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/1057610X.2011.621116
Additional information: Unmapped bibliographic data: PY - 2011/// [EPrints field already has value set] JA - Stud. Confl. Terrorism [Field not mapped to EPrints] AD - School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research
Depositing User: Mita Mondal
Date Deposited: 29 Oct 2013 12:02 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:12 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/35749 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Cottee, Simon.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8239-9689
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Hayward, Keith J..

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
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