Terrorism and Collective Action
Terrorism has become a major International concern and there has been a surge in the incidents of terrorism. Mumbai massacre is one of the most recent incidents. Many psychologists and sociologists have done study on the rationality of an individual willing to be a part of terrorist group. In this I would like to make a few comments about terrorism from collective action perspective. The studies reveal that just like any other change agents they are rational actors trying to bring about a political, social or economical change. The ideology differs in case of different groups. These groups are different from any other group in terms of the malicious and horrible methods they adopt in-order to achieve their goals. The feeling of solidarity or social cohesion motivates people to join terrorist group. Moreover, extrarational motivation of participation in a successful mission provides another incentive for the youngsters. Material incentives like food, shelter and financial support to their family members etc are the other reasons that act as the lender of the last resort for those who are suffering the miseries of penury.
It still remains an irony that terrorists are able to pursue the collective action of creating disturbance, terror and destruction for proving their ideology. This is evident from the fact that Al Qaeda network operates in nearly 60 countries across the globe. The world is still grappling to find a solution to address this serious menace. Despite of the technological advancements, these groups have been difficult to trace and have deceived time and again to execute huge destructions. There is a need of global collective action on part of all the countries who have suffered badly due to the terrorism and consolidate together to fight against it.
Terrorism has become a major International concern and there has been a surge in the incidents of terrorism. Mumbai massacre is one of the most recent incidents. Many psychologists and sociologists have done study on the rationality of an individual willing to be a part of terrorist group. In this I would like to make a few comments about terrorism from collective action perspective. The studies reveal that just like any other change agents they are rational actors trying to bring about a political, social or economical change. The ideology differs in case of different groups. These groups are different from any other group in terms of the malicious and horrible methods they adopt in-order to achieve their goals. The feeling of solidarity or social cohesion motivates people to join terrorist group. Moreover, extrarational motivation of participation in a successful mission provides another incentive for the youngsters. Material incentives like food, shelter and financial support to their family members etc are the other reasons that act as the lender of the last resort for those who are suffering the miseries of penury.
It still remains an irony that terrorists are able to pursue the collective action of creating disturbance, terror and destruction for proving their ideology. This is evident from the fact that Al Qaeda network operates in nearly 60 countries across the globe. The world is still grappling to find a solution to address this serious menace. Despite of the technological advancements, these groups have been difficult to trace and have deceived time and again to execute huge destructions. There is a need of global collective action on part of all the countries who have suffered badly due to the terrorism and consolidate together to fight against it.
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