A Durkheimian analysis of the development of terrorism and the motives of suicide bombers

Abstract

In this article, I present a "Durkheimian" analysis of terrorism, using Durkheim's theories of social cohesion and suicide. Which social factors influence the development of radical and terrorist feelings and thoughts in individuals? And what are the motives of terrorists generally and suicide bombers in particular? The concepts of social cohesion, altruism and fatalism play a key role in this analysis. The lack of social cohesion in today's individualistic Western society is of major influence on the development of radical and terrorist thoughts and feelings in individuals. The motives of suicide bombers can be regarded as altruistic, and as having certain elements of the fatalistic. Suicide bombers sacrifice their lives, among other reasons, because they feel so connected with the social group of terrorists that they place greater value on the group target than on their own lives. On the other hand the fatalistic motive is also seen in suicide bombers, who miss the connection with regular society and view life as meaningless. Furthermore, there are more suicide bombers in states with a totalitarian regime, which is also in line with the fatalistic motive. This suggests that suicide bombers can be labeled under a new category of fatalistic altruistic suicide.