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TERRORISM TODAY

UNIT 2: CAUSES & FACILITATORS

In this unit, the motives of terrorists are explored.  These motives will take into account sociological, psychological, political, and economic dimensions.  While there is no “one” profile for a terrorist, students will see how the interaction of a person’s political, social, and economic environments can radicalize an individual.  This unit will also account for terrorist recruitment and financing through the use of media, particularly the Internet.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

  • What are the causes of terrorism?

  • What is the psychology of a terrorist or terrorist group?

  • How does a terrorist rationalize violence?

  • How do groups use the media to facilitate terrorism?

  • How do individuals, groups, or states justify terrorism?

Essential Questions

VIDEOS

Videos
Why Do Some People Become Terrorists?

  • Is there a specific profile of a terrorist?

My Descent Into America's Neo-Nazi Movement

  • What drove Christian Picciolini into a life of extremism?

  • What does Picciolini mean when he says that many extremists are trying to fill "potholes"? 

The Making and Unmaking of an Islamic Terrorist

  • Why did Mubin Shaikh become a radical?

  • How is Shaikh's story different from Christian Picciolini? 

How Young People Join Violent Extremist Groups

  • What drives young people to a life of extremism?

  • Why may censorship of the Internet have an adverse effect in countering extremism?

Flirting with the Islamic State

  • How does ISIS recruit women?

  • Why was this young woman psychologically susceptible to ISIS recruitment?

  • Where does this young woman fit on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?

I Am the Son of a Terrorist

  • How does Ebrahim's story illustrate that terrorism is a choice?

  • How does one overcome the process of radicalization?

  • How did Ebrahim come to choose peace over terrorism?

Bill Nye "The Science Guy" on Climate Change & Terrorism

  • Why does Nye believe that climate change can draw people to terrorism?

Understanding Terrorism: What Causes Terrorism?

  • What are the difficulties to understanding why people become terrorists?

  • According to Professor Martha Crenshaw, what are the causes of terrorism?

What Causes Extremism?

UNIT SOURCES

Sources

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