Cults, Terror, and Mind Control

Though differing in appearance and purpose, cults and terrorist organizations nevertheless share many of the same essential dynamics. Both exploit the basic human need to belong, and both feed on feelings of alienation and marginalization so common in the world today. In addition, both use similar techniques to control members and maintain adherence. With examples from numerous groups and first-hand accounts of individuals who survived their involvement, this book explains: what a cult is how cults and terrorist groups share the same psychological dynamics who is vulnerable what is mind control the attraction of cult and terrorist groups Delving into their ability to attract followers, this book examines the power wielded by figures as diverse as Jim Jones, Osama bin Laden, Shoko Asahara, and Charles Manson. It explains how ordinary people can become enmeshed in cults and the difficulties they face in extracting themselves. This book also suggests areas of public policy that need to be addressed in an era when cult dynamics have translated into terrorist threats that can wreak havoc on the larger public. Raphael Aron challenges our ideas about the role of mind control and the part that it plays in cults and terrorist groups-and provides an interesting new take on how terrorism might be countered. -Professor Clive Williams MG Centre for Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism, Macquarie University