Patterns of precursor behaviors in the life span of a U.S. environmental terrorist group

  • Smith B
  • Damphousse K
N/ACitations
Citations of this article
20Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Research Summary This article discusses the paucity of data available for assessing the “life span” of a terrorist group. It introduces a new methodology that allows researchers to examine when terrorist groups perform their preincident activities. The findings suggest that differences exist in the temporal patterns of terrorist groups: environmental terrorist groups engage in a relatively short planning cycle compared with right‐wing and international terrorists. The article concludes by examining a case study on “the Family,” which is a unique environmental terrorist group that conducted activities over a relatively long period of time. This group provides an interesting contrast to other environmental terrorists. Despite significant organizational differences, their patterns of preparatory conduct were highly similar. Policy Implications The findings suggest that (1) temporal and spatial data about preincident terrorist activity can be collected from unclassified and open sources and (2) law‐enforcement agencies that are investigating environmental groups have relatively little time to observe and infiltrate their individual cells (compared with right‐wing and international terrorists). Finally, the data suggest that environmental terrorists—at least so far—have engaged in attacks that are less deadly than the comparison groups.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Smith, B. L., & Damphousse, K. R. (2009). Patterns of precursor behaviors in the life span of a U.S. environmental terrorist group. Criminology & Public Policy, 8(3), 475–496. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9133.2009.00571.x

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free