The Success of Political Terrorist Events

Most researchers have tended to treat terrorist behavior within pathological and criminal frameworks, and have considered it illegitimate, politically meaningless, and unsuccessful behavior. This research takes a different view of political terrorist behavior by arguing that it is logical and rational, and that these terrorist activities are actually a form of politically motivated behavior. The study examines the extent to which terrorist tactics and victim characteristics affect the success of political terrorist events. The research in this work uses data from International Terrorism: Attributes of Terrorist Events, 1967-1977, including a three-point scale named "Success of political terrorism" and seven predictor variables. The findings confirm that the existence of political terrorist events are more likely than not to end in success. These findings support several hypotheses, including the conclusion that geographical location has a significant effect on political terrorism and that explosives rather than small arms have an effect on success. The information in this book will appeal to diplomatic missions, international development agencies, and multinational corporations. In addition, university and departmental libraries, as well as students of politics, collective behavior, social movements, conflict resolution, and peace studies, will all benefit from reading this book.