CRIMINOLOGY THEORIES ABOUT TERRORIST ATTACK IN AMERICA.

CRIMINOLOGY THEORIES ABOUT TERRORIST ATTACK IN AMERICA.

Introduction.

Criminology theories are theoretical explanations that help one understand the motive behind criminal activities. Historically, theories have been used to study crime and examine terrorist attacks by providing one with an understanding of the interpretation and manifestation of behavior. Criminology uses a theoretical lens that is in relevance to fields such as sociology and psychology. The behavior explained using these theories often include criminal activities that violate societal moral standards. The use of criminology theories enables individuals to have a clear comprehension of criminal activities in a complete manner (Freilich & LaFree, 2015). This review highlights some of the criminology theories that are affiliated with terrorism. Also; it provides an understanding of how these theories explain terrorist activities in America explaining both the course and motivational reasons behind these hideous activities.

The Learning theory claims that anyone who wants to engage in terrorist activities has to first learn the ways to become a terrorist. The learning can be conducted personally through online means or in a training camp as long as one learns the ways. The process of involving oneself in terrorist activities involves psychological indoctrination in which the trainees learn how to dehumanize their victims. They later justify their actions through ideologies and disregard their actions by following the lead of their commanding leader. In 2007, six Muslims known as the Fort Dix Six terrorists were found guilty of conspiring to attack a United States military base located in Fort Dix in New Jersey. The victims who were initially US citizens did not have any military training. Instead, they were consumed and mislead by Iraqi and Afghanistan Jihadists who passed the knowledge through videos. Through DVDs, they learned of Juba the Sniper who displayed his sniping skills while attacking American soldiers who were deployed in Iran. They were to emulate his action while attacking the Fort Dix. This theory helps one understand the reason behind the terrorist motives in this attack.

The 1938 Strain theory by Dr. Robert Merton states that sometimes the society exerts unnecessary pressure on individuals to achieve unrealistic goals. This can lead to individuals indulging in criminal activities to attain these goals. The terrorist’s mind has a grievance that is psychologically the stressing factor. If individuals not affiliated with the terrorist group assault or provoke them then the group is forced to retaliate using terrorist activities. In America On September 11, 2001, the infamous 9/11 terrorist attack that caused massive destruction of property and deaths was conducted but the Al-Qaeda. However, the group’s leader Osama Bin Laden claimed that the attack was meant to serve as a response to the United States government for their constant interference in the affairs of the Middle East countries for eight consecutive years. The US forces were occupying the Middle East and this is something that aggravated the Jihadist groups. This terrorist act can be considered an outburst to external forces (Agnew 2010). The Strain theory encompasses the source of the criminals’ resentment and what led to the action. The perpetrators’ negative perception of their victims can be caused by political-economical or social factors.

The rational choice theory states that an individual’s behavior is a personal choice that is motivated by factors such as avoiding pain and pursuing happiness. According to Atran, It reflects on some of the reasons why offenders choose to commit crimes (2009). Human beings are rational individuals who commit crimes for their reasons. However, inflicting punishment, in this case, can be a form of controlling these irrational ways. It states that the offenders are to be held accountable for their terrorist activities. Before terrorists commit any crime they evaluate their chances of getting caught and if the stakes are high they choose to abort the mission. Therefore any terrorist attack is usually a calculated move that the perpetrator had highly reflected on. The American government responding to terror attacks from Al-Qaida can be viewed as a punishment to control or regulate their activities. The group having a clear understanding of their activities chose to conduct various terror attacks on America. These efforts were later countered by the United States Army who is responsible for the death of Bin Laden and the bombing of various military bases set by terrorist groups. Besides, many American citizens’ especially common criminals such as human traffickers and murders conduct attacks simply because they want to and it has a satisfying effect on them. However, the government has regulated its terrorist activities by using harsh law penalties to deal with the individuals involved.

An understanding of criminology theories outlines the different terrorism aspects and is usually the start of a deep examination of the criminal factors involved. As earlier discussed, Strain theories apply to the recruitment of terrorists. Control theories provide insight into why individuals join terrorist groups or are actively involved in terrorism. One’s involvement in terrorist group activities often changes their statuses and any self-worth feelings strengthen a group’s bond but destroy their conventional bonds. Conclusively, the American government should consider theories such as the control theory and strain theory when formulating anti-terrorism policies especially before assisting nations with terrorist groups (Borgeson & Valeri 2009). The highlighted theories not only help one understand various criminal activities but they are key in providing an understanding as to why terrorists conduct their activities and are not only applicable in America but all terrorist attack cases.