Publication Date
April 2012
Abstract
Abstract
Terrorism takes many forms. However, the rise of the self-radicalized lone wolf terrorist has created an increasing dilemma in today’s security environment. This type of emerging terrorism is increasingly found among right-wing reactionaries and religiously radicalized jihadists. With increasingly effective security environments, leaderless resistance has emerged as a threat and tactic facilitated by the internet and other modern information outlets. The unabomber, Oklahoma City bomber, Fort Hood and Oslo assailants are examples of this new form of terrorist. Through the development of a sociologically informed typology that categorizes lone wolf terrorism in terms of motivation, extent of radicalization, form and risk-awareness, a more relevant understanding of this form of non-normative behavior is proposed.