Terrorism, identity, psychology and defence economics

Phillips, Peter J. and Pohl, Gabriela (2011) Terrorism, identity, psychology and defence economics. International Research Journal of Finance and Economics (77). pp. 102-113. ISSN 1450-2887

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Abstract

That a dividing line has been drawn between economics and psychology is evident from a review of the most recent terrorism studies literature. The division is centred on the motivations of terrorism and the payoffs to terrorism. Psychology has generally been interested in motivations. Economics has generally been interested in payoffs. The objective of this paper is to show, by examining the psychologically important factor of 'identity', that it is very difficult to draw a clear dividing line between motivations and payoffs. Identity and self image are factors that motivate individuals to become terrorists
but the gains and losses in identity and self image that result from engagement in terrorism are payoffs to terrorism. Factors that are important to the study of terrorism must sometimes be understood as both motivations and payoffs. The analysis of these factors requires the analytical frameworks of both economic science and psychology.

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Item Type:	Article (Commonwealth Reporting Category C)
Refereed:	Yes
Item Status:	Live Archive
Additional Information:	This journal is 'Open Access'. The article is free to be viewed by all interested readers.
Faculty / Department / School:	Historic - Faculty of Business and Law - School of Accounting, Economics and Finance
Date Deposited:	20 Dec 2011 23:44
Last Modified:	26 Aug 2014 04:36
Uncontrolled Keywords:	identity; psychology; terrorism; economic analysis; terrorist behaviour
Fields of Research :	22 Philosophy and Religious Studies > 2203 Philosophy > 220316 Philosophy of Specific Cultures (incl. Comparative Philosophy) 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1701 Psychology > 170113 Social and Community Psychology 16 Studies in Human Society > 1606 Political Science > 160604 Defence Studies 14 Economics > 1401 Economic Theory > 140104 Microeconomic Theory
Socio-Economic Objective:	A Defence > 81 Defence > 8101 Defence > 810107 National Security
URI:	http://eprints.usq.edu.au/id/eprint/20324

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