Terrorism

Terrorism is violence or other harmful acts committed against civilians for political or other ideological reasons. Acts of terrorism include threats of terrorism, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, bombings, cyber attacks (computer-based) and the use of chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological weapons. Psychological factors relating to terrorism are of particular interest to psychologists, political scientists, and government officials, who would like to be able to predict and prevent the emergence of terrorist groups.
Individuals who become terrorists often are unemployed, socially alienated individuals who have dropped out of society. Those with little education, such as youths in Algerian ghettos or the Gaza Strip, may try to join a terrorist group out of boredom and a desire to have an action adventure in pursuit of a cause they regard. The more educated youths may be motivated more by genuine political or religious convictions. Terrorists tend to be of medium height and build to blend easily into crowds. Their dress and hair styles are inconspicuous. In addition to their normal appearance, they talk and behave like normal people. They may even be well dressed if, for example, they need to be in the first-class section of a plane targeted for hijacking.