Answer the following 2 questions 300 words or more or fully explained with at least one reference each.
Two main schools of thought explain why some people join terrorist organizations, or become terrorists. Although there are many approaches to the study of social explanations of group behavior, two schools of thought dominate the scholarly literature on terrorism. One group tends to focus on the meaning of activity; the other school looks at the structure of action. Both approaches enrich efforts to explain terrorism from a vantage point emphasizing security, and they can be moved from theory to practical application.
1. Discuss the differences in the two major schools providing explanations for group behavior: one which focuses on the "meaning" of the activity, and the other that focuses on the "structure" of action. Is it "meaning" that causes action, or is it a function of the "structure" that causes action? Give examples of action caused by meaning, and action caused by structure. Explain why.
Some scholars argue that the "roots of terrorism" can be better understood if researchers look to the "routes of terrorism."
2. Explain the process of radicalization. Why are some who are "radicalized" not violent? Discuss the common patterns of violent radicalization using the example of groups in prison. What is common among people who are radicalized? How does the understanding of radicalization assist law enforcement?