Political Violence and Terror

Motifs and Motivations
Political Violence and Terror: Motifs and Motivations offers an in-depth exploration of the complexities of political violence, its origins, and the psychological and sociopolitical factors that drive it. Drawing from interdisciplinary discussions and research conducted by political psychologists, historians, and social scientists, this collection delves into the motivations behind acts of political violence and the structures that sustain violent movements. The book is divided into two parts: the first analyzes established methodologies for studying political violence, including ideological roots, patterns of escalation, and quantitative event analysis; the second focuses on the psychological and social-psychological motivations of individuals involved in violent political organizations. By addressing these dimensions, the volume provides a nuanced understanding of how collective ideologies and individual drivers intersect to fuel violence.

The essays traverse a wide range of geographical and historical contexts, from left- and right-wing terrorism in Italy and West Germany to guerrilla movements in Latin America and ethnic conflicts in the Middle East. By juxtaposing case studies, such as the Red Army Faction and ETA, with broader theories of political and social dynamics, the contributors examine the often-conflicting motivations of individual actors and the collective goals of their movements. The volume’s conclusion synthesizes these findings, offering insights into the interplay between personal ideologies, psychological factors, and larger sociopolitical frameworks. Ultimately, Political Violence and Terror serves as both a scholarly resource and a call to further explore the intricate relationships that underpin acts of political violence.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1986.

Contributor: Peter H. Merkl (Edited by)

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