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Stage 4

Violent Acts and Terrorism-as with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs this is the final stage of Self-Actualiza�on in which the individual commits an act of terrorism. According to Dr. Tamara Mouras (2015) Self-actualiza�on is the need fulfilled when the lone wolf “becomes everything that one is capable of becoming.” Further, Self-actualiza�on would fall into the phase of the radicaliza�on process when an individual uses his or her capability to commit a terrorist ac�vity.

Stage 1

Exposure to Radical Ideology-this includes the first exposure to radical propaganda and rhetoric. This exposure can come from family, friend and in the case of lone wolf terrorism through the Internet. It is at this �me that individuals feel they are disenfranchised from mainstream Americans to include the United States government. This could include loss of a job, loss of a family member, and/or financial issues. The most suscep�ble individuals are those who do not have such love and have a strong desire to become part of a family or group and as it relates to lone wolves, such desire for love and affec�on can be sa�sfied through an Internet chat room with like-minded individuals and the possibility of becoming part of a group (Mouras, 2015).

Lone Wolf Terrorism

So, why does understanding lone wolf terrorism so important to extremism? The key is for you to begin understanding how difficult it is to track, apprehend, and much less an�cipate when, where, and how a lone wolf extremist or “terrorist” will take ac�on. Lone wolf terrorism is a form of terrorism that is o�en started through non-criminal ac�ons. It is not a crime to research and have an extremist view. What makes the projec�on into criminal ac�vity is when an individual moves from mere beliefs to ac�ons to support one's cause. This is also true for lone wolf terrorism. This process from mere radical and extremist believes to violent ac�ons is o�en referred to as the radicaliza�on process.

The Radicaliza�on Process

The radicaliza�on process is a unique process that provides for stages and/or phases in which individuals go through to reach the final stage of commi�ng a terrorist a�ack. According to the Federal Bureau of Inves�ga�on (2011) posited extremists have many diverse star�ng points and follow many different paths that lead to ul�mate involvement in terrorist ac�vi�es. The existence of a common end point has led many individuals and organiza�ons with an interest in radicaliza�on to characterize these pathways as varia�ons of the radicaliza�on process, and much effort has focused on iden�fying common aspects to understand and—in the end—counter this progression.

Domes�c Terrorism It is important to go back and review the earlier aspects of right-wing and le�-wing aspects of extremism and the extremist movement. While I will not go too far into poli�cal science you will have to understand that any generaliza�ons that are made can be supported with literature although it would be voluminous. It is more important for you to keep with the concepts at this point. Within both right-wing and le�-wing extremist groups are individuals who will fall under the lone wolf category.

References

Federal Bureau of Inves�ga�on (2011). Perspec�ve: Radicaliza�on of Islamist Terrorists in the Western World. h�ps://leb.�i.gov/2011/september/perspec�ve-radicaliza�on-of-islamist-terrorists-in-the-western-world

Hamm, M & Spaaj, R. (2015). Lone wolf terrorism in America: Using knowledge of radicaliza�on pathways to forge preven�on strategies. U.S. Department of Jus�ce. h�ps://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/248691.pdf

Mar�n, G. (2010). Understanding terrorism, 4e. Los Angeles: Sage.

Mouras, T. A. (2015). Lone wolves: Are they really alone in the radicaliza�on process? In Public Safety. h�p://inpublicsafety.com/2015/02/lone-wolves-are-they-really-alone-in-the-radicaliza�on-process/

Conclusion

It is important in this week you understand the radicaliza�on process as it relates to lone wolf terrorism in the United States. I would strongly urge each of you to read the provided ar�cles below. These sources will help you understand the Internet and how the Internet influences the recruitment, reten�on and pathway on how to commit terrorist ac�vity. Finally, watch this 3-minute video on "Lone Wolf" Terrorists and the Internet featuring terrorism expert Peter Bergen who talk about how many “lone wolves” are actually a part of a “virtual pack”.

"Lone Wolf" Terrorists and the Internet"Lone Wolf" Terrorists and the Internet

Stage 2

Acceptance of Radical Ideology-a�er listening to the extreme dialogue and discussion for over a period of �me the individual will start to accept the radical ideology as their own. They can see how the radical ideology pertains to their current life situa�on. It is at this point where the Internet and a charisma�c leader may help to influence the individual. Adop�on of the extreme belief is not shaping and forming the daily agenda of the individual.

Examples of Lone Wolf Cases

It goes without saying that the United States has faced its fair share of love wolf domes�c terrorist a�acks. Some of the most notable include but are not limited to Tim McVeigh (Oklahoma City Bomber), Ted Kaczynski (Unabomber), Eric Rudolph (Olympic Park Bomber), Richard Reid (Shoe Bomber), and Omar Mateen (Pulse nightclub shooter in Orlando). Each of these individuals are considered domes�c terrorists and classified as a lone wolf. Further, some most recent cases of lone wolf incidents include but are not limited to the Ft. Hood Army Base Shoo�ng by Major Nidal Hasan. Major Hasan was radicalized through the Internet and extreme propaganda. Can you start to think of any other lone wolf a�acks and/or incidents that have had direct impact on the United States and the security of American ci�zens?