Discussion Post
In her chapter from What Terrorists Want, Louise Richardson speaks of her experience growing up as a sympathizer of the Irish Republican Army. Because of her experience growing up during a time of conflict in Northern Ireland, she writes that "when I hear of a terrorist atrocity, I do not think of the perpetrators as evil monsters; rather, I think of the terrorists I have met and the people I have known who have joined terrorist groups, and I rehearse in my mind their own justifications" (xii).
Drawing on specific stories from Richardson's chapter, as well as the other readings assigned, what justifications are commonly used by anti-state, "social revolutionary" terrorists? Why does Richardson and others from similar backgrounds not see such terrorists as "evil monsters" but as misguided individuals who believe they are fighting for a "greater good"?
Finally, why does she think it is important for policy makers to see terrorists in this way? And, do you agree with her?
The response must include a reference list. One-inch margins, double-space, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.