The terrorist identity : explaining the terrorist threat /

Based on the premise that psychological explanations for the emergence of terrorist groups are wholly inadequate, the authors offer an alternative model founded on the sociological theory of symbolic interactionism, which posits that individual identity is the product of the dynamic relationship between culture, self, and society. From this, the authors create an explanatory model that examines the process of identity formation among members of terrorist groups by utilizing five organizing concepts: symbols, definition of the situation, roles, socialization and role-taking, and the emergence of the self. Once clearly established theoretically, these interrelated concepts are applied with complete parity to five terrorist groups. The interpretive framework presented offers students of political violence a highly accessible template from which to study the sociopsychological reasons individuals are drawn into terrorist groups, and how the groups themselves act to reinforce the identities of their members. This is a major strength of the book. The authors are to be commended for producing a model with such tremendous analytical clarity and pedagogical utility. However, because the book is a bit theory-laden early on, it may prove difficult for underclassmen. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. M. O'Gara George Washington University