Single Actor Terrorism (original) (raw)
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Analysing the Processes of Lone-Actor Terrorism: Research Findings
Perspectives on terrorism, 2016
This Research Note presents the outcome of an investigation into the processes of lone-actor terrorism which was part of the Countering Lone-Actor Terrorism (CLAT) Project. The research is based on a database of both plots and attacks across the twenty-eight EU member states, plus Norway and Switzerland, in the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2014. The database covers more than 70 variables and includes information relating to 120 individuals. This Research Note outlines some of the key findings of the CLAT project pertaining to 1) attack methodology and logistics; 2) political engagement and online activity and 3) leakage and interactions with authorities. The results relating to the personal characteristics of lone-actor terrorists are presented in a different Research Note in this issue of Perspectives on Terrorism.
This policy paper looks into the characteristics of lone actor terrorists in the European Union (2000-2015). It is part of the Countering Lone Actor Terrorism (CLAT) project that looks into this phenomenon through analysis of data pertaining to plots and cases of lone actor terrorism within the EU. This paper will focus on the personal characteristics of lone actor terrorists, resulting in a number of policy recommendations. First of all, some of the key findings from the previous analysis paper are highlighted. Subsequently, the authors outline the following recommendations based on the findings: 1. Although overall data metrics are useful, specifically focusing on certain sub-groups could provide more insight into shared characteristics of certain groups. - In order to accurately interpret results, it is necessary to have appropriate benchmarks. For instance, we found that 35% of the perpetrators reportedly suffered from some kind of mental health disorder. The estimated percentage for the general population is 27%. - It is relevant to look into certain combinations of variables and characteristics, rather than single ones, such as legal gun possession and mental health problems. 2. Lowering barriers to mental health services should be key. Part of this effort should be focused on removing taboos on speaking about mental health problems in certain communities. Trust and openness play a crucial role in this regard. 3. A multi-agency approach is recommended, in light of identifying as well as assessing the risks posed by potential lone actors.
Countering Lone-Actor Terrorism Series No. 4 Lone-Actor Terrorism Analysis Paper
Lone-actor terrorists are perceived as presenting acute challenges for law enforcement practitioners in detection and disruption. By definition, they act without direct command and control from a wider network, and it is assumed that without such communications they may evade the ‘tripwires’ that would usually bring them to the attention of the authorities. The Countering Lone-Actor Terrorism (CLAT) project aims to investigate this assumption. Through the construction and analysis of a database of 120 lone actors from across Europe, it seeks to improve understanding of lone-actor terrorists, their behaviour and their activities in the period leading up to intended attacks.
THE SHIFTING MODUS OPERANDI OF THE “LONE WOLF” TERRORISTS
Recent terrorist attacks on European soil, shows that there is some shifting of the course of perpetrating terrorist attacks modus operandi. Unlike previous terrorist attacks carried out by terrorist cells, nowadays more prevalent are so-called “lone wolf” terrorists with a relatively changed modus operandi. This is due to the increased security measures in European countries, making it more difficult to act in a group or cell, to get to explosives or materials needed for making improvised explosive devices. The successful counter terrorism measures against Islamist terrorist networks leads to increasing of the terrorist propaganda which suggests the supporters to take solo actions without waiting for instructions. This is adding up on calls to attack the West that were made prior to Ramadan by ISIS spokesman, Abu Mohammed al Adnani, which included using a vehicle to run over innocent civilians or slaughter the “infidels” with a knife. Exactly this was modus operandi in the latest terrorist attacks. Through case studies of these terrorist attacks perpetrated on Western European soil will show a recent change of tactics in carrying out terrorist attacks. The change in the modus operandi of “lone wolf” terrorists calls into question the effectiveness of standard counter-terrorist techniques of security agencies. This suggests the need to change the approach of security agencies to this phenomenon, and thus be able to prevent such terrorist attacks.
LONE ACTOR TERRORISM AS A MODERN SECURITY THREAT
International Journal Vol50.1, 2022
The appearance of individuals who carry out brutal attacks around the world on their own without formal membership in a terrorist organization has alarmed all security services. These popularly called Lone Wolf terrorists have forced all the world's intelligence and security agencies to develop a completely different approach to this type of terrorism. Lone Actor terrorism as a form of violence has become accepted across the planet by a wide variety of radical groups, rightists, leftists, radical Islamists and has become the number one security issue. The paper will present the historical development of Lone Actor terrorism in order to make recommendations based on the hitherto known facts on how to control this way of endangering security.
Anatomy of Lone Wolf Terrorism: Special Emphasis on Countering Violent Extremism
Manekshaw Paper Number 69 , 2017
The proliferation of internet technology and consolidation of the global ummah narrative, whether literal or otherwise, has resulted in a spate of lone wolf attacks. These attacks, carried out by individuals acting alone, without the explicit sponsorship of any particular terror group, are a novel phenomenon. Initially limited to white supremacists such as Timothy McVeigh and Zionist terrorists such as Baruch Goldstein, today with the Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham (ISIS) and Al Qaeda (AQ) competing against one another for gaining control of the radicalisation narrative, it is important to look at the roots of these lone wolf attacks. This paper looks at 22 cases of lone wolves and finds out that there is an astonishing divergence in the backgrounds, mental make-up and motivations of these terrorists who finally converge on the same end-result: the spread of terror
The Legend of the Lone Wolf: Categorizing Singular and Small Group Terrorism
Dissertation - George Mason University, 2016
“Lone wolf terrorism” represents an overused and clichéd phrase adding confusion to the research of political violence. In response, this dissertation introduces a new framework based on mental illness and group association which better describes terrorism conducted by Singular and Small Group Terrorists (SSGT). This new framework describes and analyzes three new categories of terrorists: Zealots, Opportunists, and Strategists. Based on this new framework, a review of current laws and policy show a significant gap and demonstrates how the SSGT framework helps impact policy development. This study then creates a new database of known SSGT providing a basis for offering five suggestions for incorporating this new framework into the activities of counter-terrorism practitioners and recommendations for future research.