Back to Search Start Over

Radical Beliefs and Violent Actions Are Not Synonymous: How to Place the Key Disjuncture Between Attitudes and Behaviors at the Heart of Our Research into Political Violence.

Authors :
Khalil, James
Source :
Studies in Conflict & Terrorism; Mar2014, Vol. 37 Issue 2, p198-211, 14p, 3 Diagrams, 3 Charts
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

This article develops and elaborates on three core points. First, as with research into other social science themes, it is argued that it is necessary to apply the logic of correlation and causality to the study of political violence. Second, it highlights the critical disjuncture between attitudes and behaviors. Many or most individuals who support the use of political violence remain on the sidelines, including those who sympathize with insurgents in Afghanistan (reportedly 29 percent in 2011), and those supportive of “suicide attacks” in the Palestinian Territories (reportedly reaching 66 percent in 2005). Conversely, those responsible for such behaviors are not necessarily supportive of the ostensible political aims. Third, it is argued that the motives that drive these attitudes and behaviors are often (or, some would argue, always) distinct. While the former are motivated by collective grievances, there is substantial case study evidence that the latter are commonly driven by economic (e.g., payments for the emplacement of improvised explosive devices), security-based (i.e., coercion) and sociopsychological (e.g., adventure, status, and vengeance) incentives. Thus, it is necessary for the research community to treat attitudes and behaviors as two separate, albeit interrelated, lines of inquiry. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1057610X
Volume :
37
Issue :
2
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Studies in Conflict & Terrorism
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
93797539
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/1057610X.2014.862902