Why do terrorist groups form?

Answer 1

Interesting question! As far as I can discover, the answer isn't obvious at all. Let me explain: Interviews and intelligence of terrorist organizations ranging from the IRA to Al-quaida, Baader-Meinhoff, and others show some remarkable, unexpected similarities. They typically do not have a cohesive, well-understood political doctrine or goal. And even when there is a political manifesto of sorts in place, the actions of the group typically don't facilitate this: * They're own people often don't know or understand their own manifesto. * They rarely conduct dialogues with the regime they're trying to modify, so the means of compromise or even capitualtion is closed off. * They frequently attack other organizations that share their goals. * They often do not effectively claim credit for actions, thus making said action a completely moot point * They often change doctrine and direction with no particular or apparent reason. * When their demands are met, for whatever reason, this does not cause the group to stand down. This applies equally to so-called religious terrorists; they quite often don't understand the religion their group esposes, nor do they seem to want to learn. An example:(see link) A number of the 9/11 Al Quaida group first intended to fight in Chechnya. When they couldn't get the paperwork together to enter Chechnya, they decided to attack America instead. There was no discernable direction in a political or religious sense at all. So what is it then? Actually, most terrorist groups of the late 20th and early 21st centuries seem to follow very closely the dynamic we observe in modern day street gangs. That is to say, an amazingly strong need or desire for community and culture. Here are some examples: * Frequently, families will all join the same group, even if that group doesn't match that family's focus or interest. The same applies to village members and friends. * These families (for lack of a better word) will frequently change groups, sometimes to terrorist organizations with a sharply divergent manifesto. * They use symbology akin to gang sign. * Status is critically important within the group. A lot of this is true of the Crips, Bloods and Latin Kings, where solidarity of family, group, and neighborhood is a far more prevalent motivator than political or theological doctrine. Ref: Max Abrams, predoctoral fellow at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation, and Bruce Schneier of Counterpane Systems. See also "Seven Habits of Highly Ineffective Terrorists", Crypto-Grams, Schneier

Answer 2

Terrorist groups can form due to various factors, such as ideological beliefs, political grievances, religious motivations, desire for power and control, or a response to perceived injustices. These groups often seek to achieve their goals through acts of violence and instilling fear in the population.