Rational Choice Model

The subject of terrorism is a heavily studied topic. There is no shortage of literature when it comes to explaining the seemingly convoluted reasoning behind such horrific acts. While many see terrorism as random acts of violence committed by mentally unstable individuals, modern academia argues that this not the case. As a whole, scholars specializing in terrorism studies have come to the consensus that terrorism is a logical act, to some extent. Governed by a sense of rational, an individual’s decision to engage in terrorism is often part of a careful, calculated, and lengthily decision-making process. It is not based merely on impulse or mental instability, as many would assume, but is a rational choice.

Even though terrorism has existed

Different scholars approach the subject different ways. While some take a general approach, others are more specific. In both John Horgan’s From Profiles and Roots to Routes: Perspectives from Psychology into Radicalization into Terrorism, and Randy Borum’s, Radicalization into Violent Extremism II: A Review of Conceptual Models and Empirical Research the authors specify the importance of various push and pull factors that drive an individual towards terrorism. They assume a basis of rationality in that an individual’s decision to engage in terrorism is a gradual process based on several influencing factors. Borum specifically creates a conceptual model that attempts to explain the gradual process. He concludes that there are four main stages (grievance, injustice, target attribution, and distancing/devaluation) in an individual’s radicalization process and that each builds upon the other. Horgan helps to further solidify this belief with his emphasis on the gradual nature of radicalization. He specifically states, “the assumption of a moment of epiphany that explains some assumedly conscious decision to become a terrorist is naïve, misleading, and, crucially unsupported by empirical evidence. Involvement in terrorism is a complex process of accommodation and assimilation across incrementally