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Socio-behavioral considerations in the role of violent social movements

Bernard, Michael L.; Backus, George A.; Beyeler, Walter E.

This paper discusses relevant findings and theories regarding the role of ideology, culture, and context in shaping the behaviors of individuals within violent social movements. Accordingly, this focus concerns the comparative weight placed on ideology and culture (expressed principles and motives) versus external factors as chief influencers for the propensity of individuals to act outside of the norms of society and politics by resorting to violent behaviors. In doing so, we have drawn upon theory from anthropology, behavioral economics, political science, psychology, and sociology to better understand how these variables give birth to and nurture militant social movements. F u r t h e r d i s s e m i n a t i o n o n l y a s a u t h o r i z e d t o U . S . G o v e r n m e n t a g e n c i e s a n d t h e i r c o n t r a c t o r s ; o t h e r r e q u e s t s s h a l l b e a p p r o v e d b y t h e o r i g i n a t i n g f a c i l i t y o r h i g h e r D O E p r o g r a m m a t i c a u t h o r i t y .