Understanding the Psychological Factors of Terrorism: An In-Depth Analysis of Dr. Randy Borum’s Ideas

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 27 February 2025 Terrorism is a complex and multifaceted issue, which is not only linked to political and economic problems but also has psychological factors playing a significant role behind the scenes. Dr. Randy Borum, an expert in this field, highlighted in his book Psychology of Terrorism that individuals become part of terrorist organizations due to personal struggles, oppression and injustice, sympathetic ties to a group, or feelings of insecurity. His research has made it clear that terrorism is not limited to just political or economic issues; it is also a psychological problem. Psychological vulnerabilities such as feelings of loneliness, anger, and lack of social justice drive individuals toward extremism, while the sense of support and connection provided by terrorist organizations further involves these individuals. Dr. Borum's perspective teaches us that to reduce the trends of terrorism, it is essential to understand these psychological factors in depth so that we can analyze them and successfully adopt effective strategies for preventing terrorism. ۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔ Terrorism is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been the focus of attention for experts, policymakers, security authorities, and ordinary citizens worldwide for several decades. Understanding this issue has become a challenge because its underlying factors are very intricate, with psychological factors playing a significant role. These factors help explain why individuals join terrorist organizations, why they adopt extremist ideologies, and why they stay in or leave these groups. Some people, when using terms like "terrorist," "terrorism," or "extremism," often point to Islam or Muslims, even though historical records and current situations show that terrorism, extremism, and violence are not confined to the followers of any specific religion. In fact, criminals who have used religion to promote terrorism and extremism can be found in the adherents of every religion, as well as among non-religious people. It is clear that no religion advocates terrorism, oppression, injustice, or unfair discrimination, but it is people's psychological issues that drive them down the path of extremism. To prevent terrorism, we need to fully understand the psychological factors that lead individuals to become terrorists. In this regard, Dr. Randy Borum, an expert in this field, has provided valuable insights through his work on this subject. Dr. Borum is an Associate Professor in the Department of "Mental Health, Law, and Policy" at the University of South Florida, and in his book Psychology of Terrorism, he provides a detailed analysis of the psychological aspects of terrorism. In his research, he incorporates the ideas of renowned scholars like Martha Crenshaw and Jerrold Post to better understand how an individual's emotional, mental, and social state influences their decisions. Dr. Borum's research has clarified that individuals may join terrorist organizations due to personal struggles, feelings of insecurity, or the desire for group affiliation. The research also shows that some individuals disengage from these organizations due to various psychological pressures, circumstances, and experiences. This proves that terrorism is not merely a political or economic issue, but also a psychological one, which, when understood, can help us find ways to address it. Dr. Borum's research adopts a critical perspective, linking the motivations behind involvement in terrorism not only to ideological factors but also to an individual's psychological weaknesses and personal experiences. He believes that psychological vulnerabilities, such as feelings of loneliness, anger, or lack of social justice, play a significant role in pushing individuals towards extremism. Additionally, the support and sense of belonging offered by terrorist organizations further entangle these individuals. Dr. Borum's research helps us understand that by better comprehending these psychological aspects, we can adopt effective measures to reduce tendencies toward terrorism. The Evolution of Attention in the Study and Research of Terrorism Early research on terrorism primarily focused on answering the question, "Why do people become terrorists?" Under this approach, it was assumed that individuals make a conscious and one-time decision to become terrorists. However, this simplistic view failed to grasp the complexity of the social and psychological processes involved in extremism. In recent years, experts like John Horgan and Max Taylor have shifted this perspective, viewing terrorism as a process that unfolds over time and involves various stages, rather than just a singular decision to join a terrorist organization. Horgan and Taylor's model suggests that the process of involvement in terrorism can be divided into three distinct stages: becoming a terrorist, being a terrorist, and disengaging from terrorism. This distinction allows for a better understanding of the psychological factors at each stage. For example, during the "becoming a terrorist" stage, an individual may be influenced by external factors like group psychology or personal grievances, which gradually lead them toward extremism. In contrast, during the "being a terrorist" phase, individuals may become involved in terrorist activities to prove their ideological commitment or to be part of a group. Ultimately, the "disengagement from terrorism" stage is a complex process, involving a break from the terrorist group, which could be driven by changes in personal motivations, a lack of harmony within the group, or a realization of the negative consequences of terrorism. This shift in understanding is significant because it allows researchers and policymakers to ask more specific questions about the psychological aspects of terrorism, such as: What emotional and mental factors make individuals more susceptible to extremism? How do social and psychological vulnerabilities influence an individual's decision to join, stay in, or leave a terrorist group? Dr. Borum’s work is based on this deeper understanding, highlighting the importance of both motives and vulnerabilities in the psychological process of extremism. To understand Dr. Borum’s points on “motives and vulnerabilities”, it is crucial to clearly define both terms, as these psychological factors play an important role in the process of radicalization. Motives: Motives refer to the reasons or factors that drive an individual toward terrorism or extremism. These motivations can be of various types, such as personal support for political or social ideologies, a sense of belonging to a group, or a desire for personal revenge. When an individual feels that they are fighting for a specific cause or supporting an ideology, this feeling can attract them toward terrorist or extremist actions. For instance, a person may become involved in terrorist activities to strengthen their beliefs or to feel a sense of connection to a particular group. Vulnerability: Vulnerability refers to the social or psychological weaknesses that make an individual more susceptible to the effects of extremism. These vulnerabilities stem from a person's mental, emotional, or social conditions, such as emotional isolation, frustration, or personal struggles. If an individual feels isolated from their social circle or is upset by a particular issue, they may join an extremist group where they feel valued and consoled. Terrorist organizations exploit these weaknesses to recruit individuals and push them toward radicalization. Overall Impact of Motives and Vulnerabilities on Radicalization: Both motives and vulnerabilities play crucial roles in the psychological process of radicalization. While motives draw individuals toward terrorism, vulnerabilities allow them to become more susceptible to these influences. Examples in the Context of Our Country: Let’s consider individuals who claim to follow Islam and carry out violent acts in the name of Islam and jihad. Their objective might be to instill hatred toward India among Muslims and convince them that they are being oppressed, which justifies rebellion and violence. These terrorist groups try to spread this propaganda from abroad, claiming that Muslims must take up arms and resort to violence to achieve their goals. A notable example is ISIS, which uses platforms like the "Voice of Hind" magazine to incite Indian Muslims. These organizations consistently try to create dissatisfaction and unrest among Muslims in India through their propaganda, attempting to stir up hatred and use these emotions for their own ends. However, it is essential to understand that Islam does not support any state based on oppression, injustice, or violence. The goal of Islam is always the establishment of justice, the protection of human rights, and the promotion of peace. These terrorist groups not only distort Islamic teachings but also exploit the local situation to provoke Muslims into action. Islam's approach to any social or political system is always based on peace, justice, and the rule of law, with no room for coercion, oppression, or violence. It is crucial to emphasize that Indian Muslims have a deep love for their homeland and can never be part of the propaganda of such terrorist groups. India is a country where Muslims have full rights to live according to their religion, culture, and values, and the Constitution and laws ensure their protection. Muslims have always contributed to the development of their country, and their hearts are filled with love and loyalty for the nation. Moreover, we must bear in mind that the goal of these terrorist groups' propaganda is only to mislead and confuse Muslims. To counter this, it is essential to present the true interpretation of our religion, showing that Islam promotes peace, love, and humanity, not violence and rebellion. Maintaining brotherhood in India and promoting harmony among different communities is our collective responsibility. We must thwart the plans of extremist groups while ensuring the protection of our nation and ensuring that every citizen in India enjoys the right to freedom, justice, and equality, without falling prey to religious conflicts. Unfortunately, those who commit violence in the name of Islam justify their actions by calling the victims "human casualties." Similarly, Israel’s bombing of Palestinian civilians and calling them "human casualties" is a misleading and malicious claim, entirely divorced from the truth. Such propaganda is only an attempt to legitimize injustice and neglect the fundamental principles of humanity. If it is claimed that some people in India, adopting Hindutva ideology, aim to strip Muslims of all their religious, personal, national, and territorial rights and then incite the Hindu public against Muslims through false propaganda, this is a clear and dangerous motive that plays a significant role in promoting extremism. The goal is to incite hatred by distorting the history and culture of Muslims and manipulating their identity. When the Muslim minority protests as a response, efforts to suppress their voices by filling prisons, stripping their rights, or attacking their mosques are the result of increasing extremism and unrest. These efforts aim to disturb the peace of the country and create communal tensions to impose a particular ideology or agenda. These events and behaviours highlight that extremism in any state or society is not limited to one group or community but is a result of various social, political, and religious groups trying to achieve their objectives through extremist ideologies and violence. This motive plays a crucial role in fostering extremism and exacerbates injustice, hatred, and division within society. Let's now delve into Dr. Borum's theory in detail, focusing on the concepts of Motive and Vulnerability, which he describes as significant psychological factors influencing involvement in terrorism: According to his theory, Motive refers to the emotions, desires, or needs that drive an individual to engage in a particular action. In the context of terrorism, a Motive may arise from various reasons, such as ideological beliefs, personal grievances, a desire for social status, or a wish to avenge real or perceived injustices. However, according to Dr. Borum, the Motive behind terrorism is not simply linked to a singular ideology; rather, it is often complex, deep, and multifaceted, tied to an individual's inner world and varied experiences. Earlier research often linked terrorism to ideology, meaning it was assumed that terrorism was solely driven by political or religious beliefs. However, Dr. Borum argues that it is now understood that individuals may be drawn to terrorism due to a combination of emotional and psychological factors. Motive does not arise purely from political or religious beliefs but is often based on deeper personal and emotional reasons, such as suffering, injustice, or issues related to one's sense of identity. Martha Crenshaw (1985) categorized the Motive behind terrorism into various types, such as the opportunity to act, a sense of belonging to a specific group, the desire for social status, and the pursuit of material rewards. For example, some individuals may be drawn to terrorism because it provides them with the opportunity to achieve a particular goal or perform an action, or they may feel a sense of purpose, or they may wish to challenge existing conditions. Additionally, some individuals may be attracted to terrorism due to personal recognition or financial incentives. Jerrold Post (1990) further suggested that for some individuals, terrorism is not just an attempt to achieve a particular objective, but rather an act driven by an internal need to commit violence. According to Post, individuals may join terrorist groups because they feel an internal desire to engage in violence, and the group's ideology provides a justification for their actions. This reveals that terrorism is not always a response to political or religious objectives; psychological factors also play a significant role. According to this theory, the reasons for joining terrorist groups may be more personal, related to an individual's inner turmoil or psychological issues. (Vulnerability): Sensitivity to the Effects of Influence While Motive drives an individual toward involvement in terrorism, Vulnerability refers to the factors that make an individual more susceptible to the influence of extremist ideologies or terrorist organizations. The term Vulnerability literally means weakness, but this literal meaning is insufficient in this context. Therefore, we interpret it as the sensitivity to being affected by external influences. This idea does not suggest that an individual has a specific "terrorist personality," but rather points to the psychological, social, and environmental factors that prompt certain individuals to join extremist groups. As Horgan (2003) pointed out, Vulnerability refers to the factors that explain why some individuals may be more influenced by extremist ideologies. These factors may include personal crises, social isolation, dissatisfaction with the current social system, or experiencing injustice. Individuals who feel weak, powerless, or socially isolated are generally more sensitive to ideologies that offer them a sense of power, community, and purpose. This theory does not mean that every individual will become involved in terrorism, but it suggests that such individuals may be drawn to extremist ideologies if they are exposed to them. Therefore, understanding Vulnerability is crucial in identifying those who may be susceptible to radicalization and developing appropriate measures to engage with them. Vulnerability also means that we need to better understand the conditions and factors that can lead individuals toward extremist groups and adopt strategies to offer support to keep them away from such activities. For this, it is also essential that every individual in the country, whether Muslim, Hindu or from any other religious background, be treated with justice and have their rights protected. No one should be allowed to target any minority group with hate speech in the name of religion or belief and destabilize the social fabric of the country. Promoting harmony, brotherhood, and social cohesion is crucial to ensure that every citizen feels a sense of protection and respect. This requires collaboration among the government, institutions, and social organizations to not only prevent individuals from joining extremist groups but also to foster mutual respect and tolerance among us all. Additionally, it is vital to run educational programs, media campaigns, and public initiatives that aim to reduce hatred and division while promoting love, compromise, and understanding. On an individual level, each person must be willing to understand the pain and beliefs of others to build better relationships and maintain social balance. The relationship between Motive and Vulnerability is deeply interconnected. If an individual has a Motive—such as a desire for revenge or political or religious beliefs—and also suffers from Vulnerability, meaning they are going through a personal crisis, feel isolated, or experience a sense of injustice, such individuals are more likely to be drawn to extremist groups. Therefore, it is crucial to examine and understand both factors together so that we can address the issue of terrorism more effectively and take appropriate actions to help those involved. Three Key Factors of Motive: Injustice, Identity, and Belonging Dr. Borum identifies three key themes of Motive that are consistently present in individuals involved in terrorism: injustice, identity, and belonging. These themes help us understand why individuals are attracted to terrorist groups and why they remain involved in extremist activities. Injustice: The Desire for Reformation and Revenge The theme of injustice is a powerful psychological motivator that drives individuals toward terrorism. According to Dr. Borum, the feeling of injustice—whether real or perceived—gives rise to a desire for revenge. Under this feeling, individuals take extreme actions to address their grievances, especially when they perceive that they are being oppressed by larger social or political systems or that their religious rights are being violated. Identity: The Search for Self and Meaning The theme of identity becomes significant when individuals lack a clear and stable sense of self. According to Dr. Borum, the formation of identity occurs during adolescence, and when individuals fail to define themselves during this phase, they seek refuge in extremist ideologies that provide them with a clear identity and a sense of purpose. Belonging: The Need for Community and Solidarity The theme of belonging is also a significant motivator for joining terrorist groups. Many individuals who experience social isolation and alienation feel that by joining terrorist groups, they can find a sense of community, solidarity, and connection that they lack in their personal lives. The Interacting Effects of Injustice, Identity, and Belonging These three themes of Motive are interconnected and amplify each other. For instance, according to Dr. Borum, individuals who feel oppressed and isolated from their society may be more inclined to seek out extremist ideologies in their quest for identity and belonging. Conclusion: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding of Terrorism Dr. Borum’s psychological framework helps us understand the emotional and mental factors underlying terrorism. He argues that injustice, identity, and belonging play key roles in fueling terrorism. Incorporating these psychological aspects into counterterrorism efforts is essential for developing comprehensive and effective strategies to prevent extremism, thwart terrorist recruitment, and support individuals disengaging from terrorism. Ultimately, by understanding the psychological dynamics of terrorism, researchers, policymakers, and security experts can better address the root causes of violence and move toward creating a safer and more peaceful world. URL for Urdu Article: https://www.newageislam.com/urdu-section/psychological-terrorism-randy-borum/d/134228 … A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi Madrasa background and expertise in English-Arabic-Urdu translation. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of Islamic scholarship, consistently contributing valuable insights and analysis on a wide range of crucial topics. Through his regular writings, he has delved into multifaceted subjects, including but not limited to de-radicalisation strategies, the promotion of moderation within Islamic teachings, counter-terrorism efforts, and the vital mission of combating Islamophobia. Moreover, he extensively addresses the urgent need to challenge radical ideologies through well-reasoned arguments and scholarly discourse. Beyond these critical issues, his work also encompasses in-depth discussions on human rights principles, the significance of safeguarding religious rights, and the profound exploration of Islamic mysticism. ---- URL: https://www.newageislam.com/war-terror/psychological-factors-terrorism-randy-borum-ideas/d/134736 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism