Recruiting, Motivating, and Retaining Youthful Participants in Terrorism: A Preliminary Analysis
Date
2014-05
Authors
Tunnell, Sarah Cates
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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to isolate a potential trend in organized terror recruitment practices; specifically whether youthful populations comprise a significant percentage of participants. Membership patterns may illustrate common factors in individual motivations for terrorist activity, the strategic logic employed by movement leaders, and be a deciding factor in the means used to achieve their goals. Given the centrality of counter-terrorism in the United States’ post-9/11 foreign policy, understanding the perpetrators of political violence is essential for prevention. Through the analysis of primary and secondary sources, news reports, and quantitative data, this work will allow for a deeper understanding of this complex issue.
Description
Keywords
terrorism, youthful bulges, political violence, children, child soldiers, causes of terrorism, radical disengagement, Honors College
Citation
Tunnell, S. C. (2014). Recruiting, motivating, and retaining youthful participants in terrorism: A preliminary analysis (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.