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Title: AN ANALYSIS OF THE VULNERABILITY TO TERRORIST RADICALIZATION IN GREAT BRITAIN.
Creator: Reynolds, Teddy, Houghton, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: To understand the conditions and experiences that might make an individual more vulnerable to terrorist radicalization, this study examines a sample group of Muslim's in Great Britain to determine if responses to survey questions on a range of issues and perceptions can provide indications of an individual's vulnerability to terrorist radicalization. Key to this process was the development of a vulnerability to radicalization score that allowed for an analysis of the relationship...
Show moreTo understand the conditions and experiences that might make an individual more vulnerable to terrorist radicalization, this study examines a sample group of Muslim's in Great Britain to determine if responses to survey questions on a range of issues and perceptions can provide indications of an individual's vulnerability to terrorist radicalization. Key to this process was the development of a vulnerability to radicalization score that allowed for an analysis of the relationship between this score and different independent variables. The dataset for this study was obtained using the Pew Research Center's Spring 2006 Global Attitudes Project 15 Nation Survey. This survey contains a significant oversampling of Muslim respondents allowing for the statistical analysis of potential vulnerability. It is important to understand that this analysis does not provide any indication of radicalization, but a vulnerability based upon accepted theories discussed in terrorism literature. The testing of commonly held theories regarding terrorist radicalization produced a very different picture from what has been viewed in the past. New findings include a previously unrecognized quantity of women who are potentially vulnerable to radicalization. Additionally, income and education do not seem to play the pivotal role that is usually expected, and analysis indicates there is a link between the perceptions of actions by the United States government in the war to combat terrorism and the respondents' vulnerability to radicalization. Recommendations are for the refinement and expansion of this study to include the remaining Western European democracies that were sampled and the United States in order to perform a comparative analysis proving a broader understanding regarding the vulnerability of Muslims to terrorist radicalization in Western Democracies.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002377, ucf:47814
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002377

Title: UNDERSTANDING TERRORISM: RELIGIOUS & POLITICAL DIMENSIONS.
Creator: Cusano, Christopher, Sadri, Houman, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Terrorism in the twenty-first century has had one of greatest effects on the status quo of international relations, peace and war. It has become the Ã‚Â"specterÃ‚Â" of our era and in many instances, it has been referred to as the predominant threat of modern civilization. Furthermore, it has the potential to drastically change the world we live in. For these reasons it has rightfully earned our attention and focus. Many efforts to understand terrorism have...
Show moreTerrorism in the twenty-first century has had one of greatest effects on the status quo of international relations, peace and war. It has become the Ã‚Â"specterÃ‚Â" of our era and in many instances, it has been referred to as the predominant threat of modern civilization. Furthermore, it has the potential to drastically change the world we live in. For these reasons it has rightfully earned our attention and focus. Many efforts to understand terrorism have fallen short of recognizing the underlying causes. In many cases, acts of terror have either been of purely political motivation or have had socioeconomic conditions cited as the primary factor contributing to its occurrence. Some research has delved into the topic of the psychological makeup of terrorists while other attempts have looked at Islam itself Ã‚Â– dealing primarily with the textual references to war. Over the past decade terrorism research has progressed a significant deal due to the security importance of the issue and consequently the sheer number of academics and politicians who have developed an interest in it. There still appears to be, however, significant gaps in the research, particularly from the Western academic and political fronts where it is greatly needed. When it comes to particular interpretations of certain Islamic topics as well as the political grievances of the Muslim world, the West has largely failed in its analysis and understanding of the far-reaching effects these both have on terrorism and its propagation. This research will set out to begin filling these gaps by focusing on two primary topics: a) the theological basis being cited as an Islamic position and used to justify todayÃ‚Â's acts of terrorism; and b) the commonly cited political grievances that the advocates of terrorism have built their arguments upon. It is the hypothesis of this research that these two critically important issues are amongst the major contributing factors to acts terrorism. Unfortunately they have largely been ignored and in some cases exacerbated by our very own attempts to thwart terrorism. Thus it has become even more significant and important that we reassess our strategies in order to slow and eventually reverse this continuously growing threat of our era. This research will attempt to explain what I hypothesize are the most prevalent factors that have contributed to the development of terrorism in modern times. I contend that there are both influential religious and political dimensions to current acts of terrorism that are too often overlooked because of a lack of interest in Islamic theology as well as the fear of appearing to be a terrorist sympathizer or anti-patriotic. There is undeniably a religious dimension to terrorism which is amongst the most influential factors in answering why it is happening. It is a particular ideology that has been the glue which is used to fit together arguments and provide justifications to such acts of terror. At the same time, to pass the burden off so simply without listening to and understanding the political grievances of the advocates of terrorism would make the goal of eradicating terrorism quite unrealistic. While this research will cover these important points, it should not be mistaken as providing legitimacy or justification to any religious or secular group attempting to rationalize terrorism as an ideology nor the individual acts themselves.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003373, ucf:48466
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003373

Title: THE FUTURE OF NARCOTERRORISM: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY TERRORISM AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON NARCOTERRORISM.
Creator: Clement La Rosa, Lucy, Sadri, Houman, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The nexus between terrorism and narcotics is historically well documented. However, its contemporary development is rarely brought to light. Rather, narcoterrorism is often considered to be an outdated phenomenon and characteristic of only Latin America. Nevertheless, narcoterrorism continues to be a global security concern. As terrorism has evolved over the recent decade, terrorist relations to the narcotic industry have also evolved. Understanding the unique characteristics of contemporary...
Show moreThe nexus between terrorism and narcotics is historically well documented. However, its contemporary development is rarely brought to light. Rather, narcoterrorism is often considered to be an outdated phenomenon and characteristic of only Latin America. Nevertheless, narcoterrorism continues to be a global security concern. As terrorism has evolved over the recent decade, terrorist relations to the narcotic industry have also evolved. Understanding the unique characteristics of contemporary narcoterrorism is important to effectively combating both terrorism and narcotics globally. The intent of this thesis is to comparatively analyze the differences between traditional and contemporary terrorist organizations, and how these differences will affect the international nexus between the narcotic industry and terrorist organizations. The presented research supports the argument of an increasingly strong connection between contemporary terrorist organizations and the contemporary narcotic industry. Case study examples will give testimony to the historically significant and negative effects of narcoterrorism and illustrate the future of narcoterrorism. The overall objectives of this research project is to raise awareness of the role of contemporary narcoterrorism and to promote greater acknowledgement of its potential.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000163, ucf:45933
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000163

Title: Governmental Responses to Terrorism: Creating Costs and Benefits.
Creator: Klose, Kenneth, Dolan, Thomas, Schafer, Mark, Mirilovic, Nikola, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis assesses four governmental responses to terrorism: conciliation, denial, legal restriction, and violence, each of which may be focused on an organization or its leaders. The theory makes predictions on the resulting frequency and severity of terrorism. Unlessresponses reduce an organization's capacity or desire to attack, the frequency of attacks may be reduced, while the severity continues to increase. The theory is tested using a time series regression analysis of the effects of...
Show moreThis thesis assesses four governmental responses to terrorism: conciliation, denial, legal restriction, and violence, each of which may be focused on an organization or its leaders. The theory makes predictions on the resulting frequency and severity of terrorism. Unlessresponses reduce an organization's capacity or desire to attack, the frequency of attacks may be reduced, while the severity continues to increase. The theory is tested using a time series regression analysis of the effects of government action on terrorism in Algeria and thePhilippines. In general, the results show that conciliation may led to increases in terrorism in the short term while suggesting potential reductions in the long term. Denial and legal restriction often led to increases in terrorism, while the effects of violence often depended upon whether the response was applied to organizations or their leaders.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004872, ucf:49670
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004872

Title: COUNTER-TERRORISM: WHEN DO STATES ADOPT NEW ANTI-TERROR LEGISLATION?.
Creator: Clesca, Princelee, Dolan, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The intent of this thesis is to research the anti-terror legislation of 15 countries and the history of terrorist incidents within those countries. Both the anti-terror legislation and the history of terrorist incidents will be researched within the time period of 1980 to 2009, a 30 year span. This thesis will seek to establish a relationship between the occurrence of terrorist events and when states change their anti-terror legislation. Legislation enacted can vary greatly. Common changes in...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to research the anti-terror legislation of 15 countries and the history of terrorist incidents within those countries. Both the anti-terror legislation and the history of terrorist incidents will be researched within the time period of 1980 to 2009, a 30 year span. This thesis will seek to establish a relationship between the occurrence of terrorist events and when states change their anti-terror legislation. Legislation enacted can vary greatly. Common changes in legislation seek to undercut the financing of terrorist organizations, criminalize behaviors, or empower state surveillance capabilities. A quantitative analysis will be performed to establish a relationship between terrorist attacks and legislative changes. A qualitative discussion will follow to analyze specific anti-terror legislation passed by states in response to terrorist events.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004851, ucf:45451
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004851

Title: Deadly Premonition: Does Terrorist-Leader Psychology Influence Violence Lethality?.
Creator: Besaw, Clayton, Schafer, Mark, Jacques, Peter, Mousseau, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis seeks to address a theoretical and empirical gap within terrorism studies, and more specially the study of terrorist-group lethality. This research updates a model of terrorist-group lethality by including terrorist-leader psychology as an individual-level variable in predicting terrorist-group lethality. Terrorist-leader statements were analyzed by using two novel coding schemes called Operational Code and Leadership Trait Analysis to create quantified measurements of leader...
Show moreThis thesis seeks to address a theoretical and empirical gap within terrorism studies, and more specially the study of terrorist-group lethality. This research updates a model of terrorist-group lethality by including terrorist-leader psychology as an individual-level variable in predicting terrorist-group lethality. Terrorist-leader statements were analyzed by using two novel coding schemes called Operational Code and Leadership Trait Analysis to create quantified measurements of leader cognitive beliefs and personality traits. The empirical portion of this study utilizes pooled cross-sectional time-series data within the framework of fixed effects and multi-level estimation models. The results find that terrorist-leader psychology, and more specifically Instrumental (Strategic) Beliefs and Distrust, are significant predictors of subsequent group-lethality.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005132, ucf:50679
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005132

Title: WHEN TO STRIKE: EXPLORING THE VARIABLES THAT LEAD TO SUCCESSFUL DECAPITATION STRIKES.
Creator: Pierres, Renzo, Boutton, Andrew, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this thesis is to determine how different variables can affect a terrorist group's reaction to a targeted leadership strike, known as a decapitation strike. Decapitation strikes often produce unwanted results, such as a splintering of the terrorist group, or a failure to destroy the group. It is important that we understand which variables can lead to a group's destruction after a decapitation strike, to maximize the decapitation's effectiveness. In my research I have...
Show moreThe purpose of this thesis is to determine how different variables can affect a terrorist group's reaction to a targeted leadership strike, known as a decapitation strike. Decapitation strikes often produce unwanted results, such as a splintering of the terrorist group, or a failure to destroy the group. It is important that we understand which variables can lead to a group's destruction after a decapitation strike, to maximize the decapitation's effectiveness. In my research I have determined that group size, group ideological extremism, and the role of the leader targeted all have a substantial impact on the success of the decapitation strike. Using these three variables, I will examine three groups which have varying size, extremism, and leadership, and determine whether the decapitation strikes were successful and how these variables affected the results.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000488, ucf:45848
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000488

Title: WHILE AMERICA SLEPT.
Creator: Fischer, Mark, Dolan, Christopher, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study briefly examined the terrorist attacks that occurred between the first bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993 and the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that occurred on September 11, 2001. Specifically, this study examines the reactions of the public and press to the attacks on the military barracks in Riyadh, the bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Zambia and Kenya, and the attack on the U.S.S Cole in Yemen. This study examines the effect public opinion had on...
Show moreThis study briefly examined the terrorist attacks that occurred between the first bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993 and the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that occurred on September 11, 2001. Specifically, this study examines the reactions of the public and press to the attacks on the military barracks in Riyadh, the bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Zambia and Kenya, and the attack on the U.S.S Cole in Yemen. This study examines the effect public opinion had on the President and Congress and their reactions to the public pressure. The primary purpose of this thesis is to briefly examine the reactions of Presidents and Congress to the attacks on Americans at home and abroad, and that effect on their efforts to prevent further attacks on the United States. Did the President use his office to activate and motivate public officials and the public to the dangers of terrorist attacks? Was the public effective in persuading Congress to enact legislation to increase funding for terrorist prevention? And, how effective was the press in its role to educate and define the issues surrounding terrorist attacks on Americans.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001293, ucf:46879
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001293

Title: CONCEPTIONS ABOUT TERRORISM: HOW FEARFUL ARE WE AND HOW DOES THAT AFFECT US?.
Creator: Jackson, Rebecca, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Since the crusades, terrorism has been a form of violence used to promote some kind of agenda, whether political, social, religious or ideological (Martin 2018). With many different definitions of what constitutes terrorism, it is somewhat difficult to measure what exact impact terrorism has had globally. Attacks such as those on 9/11 in the United States and the Manchester bombings have been accepted worldwide as examples of acts of international terrorism. International terrorist attacks...
Show moreSince the crusades, terrorism has been a form of violence used to promote some kind of agenda, whether political, social, religious or ideological (Martin 2018). With many different definitions of what constitutes terrorism, it is somewhat difficult to measure what exact impact terrorism has had globally. Attacks such as those on 9/11 in the United States and the Manchester bombings have been accepted worldwide as examples of acts of international terrorism. International terrorist attacks have lasting effects on both those directly affected as well as the larger community and beyond. Studies have shown that Americans are overly afraid of terrorism given their risk and want to put a complete and 'final' end to terrorism (Friedman 2011; Mueller 2005). Additionally, media outlets and politicians speak of threats and demand action which spreads fear and perceived risk (Bloch-Elkon 2011; Nellis and Savage 2012). This study seeks to contribute to the previous literature on people's fears regarding terrorism and how their emotions affect the desires to have action done regarding terrorist attacks. The current research uses a sample of 302 people to compare the levels of fear and the likelihood to want more action taken towards terrorism. The results from the statistical analysis show that fears and desire to seek action are shaped by many different variables. Gender was found to be the biggest predictor of higher levels of fear and political affiliation was determined to be the strongest predictor for desire to seek action.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000496, ucf:45628
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000496

Title: THE TRANSFORMATION AND DEMISE OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS: CAUSES AND CATEGORIES.
Creator: Mehta, Devyani M, Turcu, Anca, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In the recent years, the world has experienced devastating losses due to terrorist attacks. Research in the fields of causes of terrorism is abundant, but the amount of research on the end of terrorism does not equally measure up. This paper aims to add to the research focused on analyzing the factors which cause terrorist groups to transition away from violence. This paper introduces an original categorization of the factors which generate this transition. Factors belong to two categories:...
Show moreIn the recent years, the world has experienced devastating losses due to terrorist attacks. Research in the fields of causes of terrorism is abundant, but the amount of research on the end of terrorism does not equally measure up. This paper aims to add to the research focused on analyzing the factors which cause terrorist groups to transition away from violence. This paper introduces an original categorization of the factors which generate this transition. Factors belong to two categories: internal --decisions made by the terrorist organization, and external--actions or features pertaining to organization outside of non-terrorist organizations. These factors will be illustrated through examples of terrorist organizations and their activity. The purpose of this paper is to provide an original, comparative overview of those factors that may best illustrate the study of counterterrorism.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000026, ucf:45570
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000026

Title: GLOBALIZATION AND THE 'FOURTH WAVE': CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM IN A COMPARATIVE-HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE.
Creator: Martinez, Erika M, Turcu, Anca, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Terrorist activity has come to the forefront of political thought in recent years, especially since the attacks on the World Trade Center and Washington D.C on September 11, 2001. President George W. Bush declared a �war on terror� and governments all around the world have taken steps to enhance national security in efforts to prevent terrorist activity. The steps taken are not unwarranted, and in some cases have been successful. The nature of terrorism modernizes just as the world around it...
Show moreTerrorist activity has come to the forefront of political thought in recent years, especially since the attacks on the World Trade Center and Washington D.C on September 11, 2001. President George W. Bush declared a �war on terror� and governments all around the world have taken steps to enhance national security in efforts to prevent terrorist activity. The steps taken are not unwarranted, and in some cases have been successful. The nature of terrorism modernizes just as the world around it does, and as the global community has benefited from globalization and modernization, so have terrorist organizations. This study analyzes the history of modern terrorism through the comparison of four separate waves: the Anarchist Wave, the Nationalist-Separatist Wave, the Revolutionary Wave, and the Religious Wave. This paper compares each wave�s roots, desired outcomes and goals, strategies and modus operandi, destructive impact, and outcomes. The study identifies a move away from hierarchal organization, modernization in communications and weapon choice, and a significant rise in the lethality of terrorist activity in recent years. Furthermore, there is a connection between globalization and modernization and the increase in terrorist activity and lethality. Economic interconnection has provided opportunities through which terrorists can act by providing them with a shield of anonymity, while cultural interconnection has created situations through which anger and frustration can fester to provide motives and justifications for terrorist activity. Meanwhile, modernization has created new technologies that provide more effective means through which terrorists can act on their motives. Although the Religious Wave has been nicknamed the "jihadist wave" to reflect the prevalence of Islamic groups, this study analyzes social, economic, and historic impacts that have led to this wave rather than assume that Islam is inherently violent.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000042, ucf:45513
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000042

Title: THE EUROPEAN IMMIGRATION CRISIS: AN ANALYSIS OF HOW TERROR ATTACKS HAVE AFFECTED IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE POPULATIONS IN WESTERN EUROPE.
Creator: Scimeca, Taylor M, Reynolds, Ted, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The 2015 European Immigration Crisis brought an unprecedented number of immigrants to parts of Western Europe as millions of people fled war-torn and politically unstable countries. Similar to the increase in immigrants, Western European countries have also been combatting the rise of terror attacks throughout Europe. The increase in immigration coupled with an increase in terror attacks has caused anti-refugee sentiments among some Europeans and demands for stricter immigration policies....
Show moreThe 2015 European Immigration Crisis brought an unprecedented number of immigrants to parts of Western Europe as millions of people fled war-torn and politically unstable countries. Similar to the increase in immigrants, Western European countries have also been combatting the rise of terror attacks throughout Europe. The increase in immigration coupled with an increase in terror attacks has caused anti-refugee sentiments among some Europeans and demands for stricter immigration policies. This paper examines how terrorism has impacted refugee and immigrant populations throughout Western Europe with a focus on Germany, France, and Belgium following the 2015 European Immigration Crisis. In order to determine the effects, the analysis focuses on recent terror attacks in the three nations. The claim that refugees are responsible for the increase in terror attacks is examined along with the impact of foreign terrorist fighters in each nation. Following this, the responses from right-wing groups are discussed. This includes the rise of right-wing political leaders, the organization of right-wing movements, and right-wing terror attacks. The resulting policy implications regarding both terrorism policies and immigration policies are also discussed. From these three areas of impact, the overall effects of the European Immigration Crisis are better understood.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000202, ucf:45939
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000202

Title: A Wolf in Military Clothing: A Case Study Examination of Lone Wolf Terrorism and the Roles and Responsibilities of Government Agencies.
Creator: Bandel, Peter, Sadri, Houman, Houghton, David, Kapucu, Naim, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Since the fall of September, 2011, there has been a major increase in awareness and study of global terrorism. Academia, the media, politicians, and the average citizen all have varying definitions, ideas, and concerns about terrorism. The focus has mainly been on international terrorism. Terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda have permeated the discussion. However, there is a growing concern of the (")lone wolf terrorist.(") A lone wolf terrorist acts without a terrorist organization and is...
Show moreSince the fall of September, 2011, there has been a major increase in awareness and study of global terrorism. Academia, the media, politicians, and the average citizen all have varying definitions, ideas, and concerns about terrorism. The focus has mainly been on international terrorism. Terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda have permeated the discussion. However, there is a growing concern of the (")lone wolf terrorist.(") A lone wolf terrorist acts without a terrorist organization and is capable of having his/her own radical agenda with the audacity and simplicity to carry it out solely and enact great damage. The focus in the United States and globally has been on international lone wolf terrorists. This is important, but a longstanding concern (that often goes without much conversation) is the domestic lone wolf terrorist. Using Gustav Freytag's Triangle and Rational Choice theory, it is shown that lone wolf terrorism must be examined by the United States government to ensure safety of its citizens. A lone wolf terrorist is characterized as a United States citizen who enacts a terrorist action without being part of an organization or terror group. His motives are extremist in nature. This thesis examines the growing phenomena of the domestic lone wolf terrorist. In doing so, the primary function is to look at an even starker reality: that some lone wolf terrorists have served in the military, and during service have shown to portray radical thoughts and actions. Furthermore, these lone wolf terrorists used their military training and weapon insight to enact their catastrophic aims. This thesis uses a case study methodology to examine three lone wolf actors. From the Oklahoma City Bombing, to the 1996 Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta and on to the Ft. Hood shootings the studies find that in all cases the actors did have radical beliefs, military training and used that training in concert with their attacks. This thesis can be used as a discussion about lone wolf terrorism, but also about governance. The findings show an increased need for the Department of Defense to work closely with the Department of Homeland Security and seek greater advice from organizations like the Federal Bureau of Investigation in order to conduct better psychological studies and examinations of military personnel. A disclaimer must be made that this thesis does not, in any way, seek to disparage the amazing amount of work and sacrifice of United States government personnel and agencies. This thesis aims to provide research towards improved understanding and combating of lone wolf terrorism.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004507, ucf:49266
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004507

Title: An Analysis of Terrorism and Mental Health in Mass Shootings as Perceived by the Media.
Creator: Sanchez, Amairini, Corzine, Harold, Huff-Corzine, Lin, Reckdenwald, Amy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Public mass shootings are the rarest type of mass murder in the United States. Nevertheless, the media tends to focus on mass murders that appear to be the most newsworthy. The most sensational mass murders are those that have the highest victim count, that target perfect victims, and that occur in a public location. Terrorism and mental health are two separate frames that are often used by the media when reporting a mass shooting event. This creates a lack of accurate reporting that displays...
Show morePublic mass shootings are the rarest type of mass murder in the United States. Nevertheless, the media tends to focus on mass murders that appear to be the most newsworthy. The most sensational mass murders are those that have the highest victim count, that target perfect victims, and that occur in a public location. Terrorism and mental health are two separate frames that are often used by the media when reporting a mass shooting event. This creates a lack of accurate reporting that displays a distorted image of mass shootings and affects the public's perception. This study evaluated frames used by the media specifically terrorism and mental health as well as others that came up as a result of this study. Using the Active Shooter Incidents in the United States report, a sample of 75 mass shootings were selected that occurred between 2007 and 2017. This was a qualitative study and consisted of a content analysis of news reports for each of the mass shootings in the sample. Findings revealed several themes that are commonly used by the media when reporting on the mass shooting events. The most common frames found were mental health, terrorism, domestic violence, financial/employment struggles, lack of social skills/loner, political attacks, and criminal/violent backgrounds. Mental health was the most common frame used by media reports to describe motive for the attack. In addition, offenders that were identified as Muslim in the sample were all investigated as having possible terrorism ties. This analysis allowed for an overview of major themes that are commonly present in media reports. The wide sample used in this analysis included the most recent mass shootings in conjunction with the commonly researched mass shootings that have occurred in previous years which supplements the overall literature in this topic.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007092, ucf:51948
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007092

Title: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF JIHADIST MAGAZINES: THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES.
Creator: Udani, Catalina M, Matusitz, Jonathan, Neuberger, Lindsay; Reynolds, Ted, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: During its violent spread across the Middle East, the Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) amassed both a local and international following in large part due to its usage of emergent media distribution. Beginning in 2014, ISIS's Ministry of Media published an English-language magazine, Dabiq, disseminating its issues through online platforms. Dabiq and its successor Rumiyah both serve as propagandistic recruitment material for ISIS's international community as well as broadcasting the...
Show moreDuring its violent spread across the Middle East, the Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) amassed both a local and international following in large part due to its usage of emergent media distribution. Beginning in 2014, ISIS's Ministry of Media published an English-language magazine, Dabiq, disseminating its issues through online platforms. Dabiq and its successor Rumiyah both serve as propagandistic recruitment material for ISIS's international community as well as broadcasting the message of the jihadist movement to ISIS's enemies. This study analyzed ISIS's publications using a qualitative content analysis in order to identify jihadist recruitment strategies through the perspectives of agenda-setting theory, the diffusion of innovations, symbolic convergence theory, and speech codes theory. These communication theories characterize the roles that civilizational conflict, population demographics, narrative themes, and emergent media play in the diffusion of the jihadist movement. This study samples the textual content and imagery of issues of Dabiq and Rumiyah, using thematic analysis to procedurally code the data by recognizing shared characteristics and concepts. The fundamental goal of this study is to gain a greater understanding of the way ISIS, its members, and the jihadist movement communicate their intentions, with the hope of preventing further recruitment and radicalization. The two following research questions drive this study: (1) What themes are present in the ISIS publications of Dabiq and Rumiyah? (2) How do the themes of these publications vary over time?
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000351, ucf:52905
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000351

Title: Determinants of Terrorist Target Selection: A Quantitative Analysis.
Creator: Haywood, Taylor, Handberg, Roger, Dolan, Thomas, Boutton, Andrew, Vasquez, Joseph, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Existing research on the subject of terrorism is vast, spanning causes of terrorism, the membership of terrorist groups, types of terrorist attacks, and more. One area of terrorism research, though, has received only limited consideration: terrorist target selection. What research does exist explains target selection almost exclusively as a function of ideology (Asal et al. 2009, 270 and 274; Drake 1998b, 54-56 and 58). However, such a limited causal focus obscures other possible, and...
Show moreExisting research on the subject of terrorism is vast, spanning causes of terrorism, the membership of terrorist groups, types of terrorist attacks, and more. One area of terrorism research, though, has received only limited consideration: terrorist target selection. What research does exist explains target selection almost exclusively as a function of ideology (Asal et al. 2009, 270 and 274; Drake 1998b, 54-56 and 58). However, such a limited causal focus obscures other possible, and probable, explanations of terrorist target selection. This paper proposes an alternative explanation of terrorist target selection that includes ideological and terrorist group capability variables, as well as a variable measuring the security levels in the geographic areas in which terrorist attacks take place. A research design employing multiple ordinary least squares regression is utilized. The findings demonstrate the importance of the independent variables, as well as the significance of the effects of the two-way and three-way interactions of variables from the three categories. Furthermore, the multiple regression models explain a greater percentage of the effects of the independent variables on the percentage of attacks against civilian targets when the three-way interaction variable is included than when this interaction variable is not included. From these findings, two primary policy implications are derived.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006744, ucf:51853
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006744

Title: WAR IN PAKISTAN: THE EFFECTS OF THE PAKISTANI-AMERICAN WAR ON TERROR IN PAKISTAN.
Creator: Qureshi, Akhtar, Sadri, Houman, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research paper investigates the current turmoil in Pakistan and how much of it has been caused by the joint American-Pakistani War on Terror. The United States' portion of the War on Terror is in Afghanistan against the Al-Qaeda and Taliban forces that began after the September 11th attacks in 2001, as well as in Pakistan with unmanned drone attacks. Pakistan's portion of this war includes the support to the U.S. in Afghanistan and military campaigns within it's own borders against...
Show moreThis research paper investigates the current turmoil in Pakistan and how much of it has been caused by the joint American-Pakistani War on Terror. The United States' portion of the War on Terror is in Afghanistan against the Al-Qaeda and Taliban forces that began after the September 11th attacks in 2001, as well as in Pakistan with unmanned drone attacks. Pakistan's portion of this war includes the support to the U.S. in Afghanistan and military campaigns within it's own borders against Taliban forces. Taliban forces have fought back against Pakistan with terrorist attacks and bombings that continue to ravage the nation. There have been a number of consequences from this war upon Pakistani society, one of particular importance to the U.S. is the increased anti-American sentiment. The war has also resulted in weak and widely unpopular leaders. The final major consequence this study examines is the increased conflict amongst the many ethnicities within Pakistan. The consequences of this war have had an effect on local, regional, American, and international politics.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003789, ucf:44725
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003789

Title: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF ELITE U.S. NEWSPAPERSÃ‚Â' COVERAGE OF IRAN, 1979 AND 2005.
Creator: Kamal, Melissa, Akita, Kimiko, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study is a quantitative content analysis of the New York Times and Washington Post coverage of Iran during the period surrounding the Ayatollah KhomeiniÃ‚Â's ascension to power in 1979 as well as the period surrounding Mahmoud AhmadinejadÃ‚Â's election in 2005. The results showed that coverage of Iran in the elite American print media as it related to terror was higher in the period after Khomeini came to power and also in the period after...
Show moreThis study is a quantitative content analysis of the New York Times and Washington Post coverage of Iran during the period surrounding the Ayatollah KhomeiniÃ‚Â's ascension to power in 1979 as well as the period surrounding Mahmoud AhmadinejadÃ‚Â's election in 2005. The results showed that coverage of Iran in the elite American print media as it related to terror was higher in the period after Khomeini came to power and also in the period after AhmadinejadÃ‚Â's election than it was in the period immediately preceding their respective ascensions. The results also showed that there was more coverage of Iran as it related to terror in the year surrounding AhmadinejadÃ‚Â's election than there was during the year surrounding Ayatollah KhomeiniÃ‚Â's rise to power in Iran.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003077, ucf:48331
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003077

Title: INFORMATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND THE REACTION TO TERRORISM: A FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE.
Creator: Roland, Nicholas, Sturm, Ray, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study is to measure the message terror organizations hope to convey using the financial markets as a proxy of measurement to determine patterns within the marketplace and the effects on the terrorists' ability to deliver a desired message due to the increased use of digital devices and access to instantaneous news, seen over the past decade. Using death count, geographic location, and event type, this study identified 109 attacks between 1985 and 2015 to be analyzed...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to measure the message terror organizations hope to convey using the financial markets as a proxy of measurement to determine patterns within the marketplace and the effects on the terrorists' ability to deliver a desired message due to the increased use of digital devices and access to instantaneous news, seen over the past decade. Using death count, geographic location, and event type, this study identified 109 attacks between 1985 and 2015 to be analyzed against 5 market indices and 5 securities. Measuring the effects within a 10-day sample window from the time of the attack (+ or - 5 days) using average abnormal returns, standard deviation, Sharpe Ratio and the initial reactions in the market place as a percentage of total attacks, the effects on average abnormal returns on the market proxies were measured on three levels; The entire sample period from 1985 to 2015; the first half of the sample period 1985-1999; and the second half of the sample period 2000-2015. Analyzing trends in abnormal returns and standard deviation, the results of the study were inconclusive.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH0000232, ucf:44672
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0000232

Title: THE NORTHERN IRELAND CONFLICT: FEASIBILITY OF 21ST CENTURY REUNIFICATION.
Creator: O'Brien, Robert, Sadri, Houman, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The State of Northern Ireland has been home to a significant amount of violence between a minority of Catholic Irish nationalists and a majority of Protestant British unionists. As a result, violence has plagued the region, with the loss of over three thousand five hundred lives during the course of three decades, colloquially known as "the troubles." In 1998, the Belfast or "Good Friday" Agreement was signed by officials from The United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland to ensure a...
Show moreThe State of Northern Ireland has been home to a significant amount of violence between a minority of Catholic Irish nationalists and a majority of Protestant British unionists. As a result, violence has plagued the region, with the loss of over three thousand five hundred lives during the course of three decades, colloquially known as "the troubles." In 1998, the Belfast or "Good Friday" Agreement was signed by officials from The United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland to ensure a diplomatic means of cooperation amongst the various political parties of Northern Ireland, and disarmament of paramilitary groups. However, the desire for nationalists to unify the island and to seek total independence from the United Kingdom still endures. In spite of a significant decrease in violence, dissident republicans continue to target the Police Service of Northern Ireland, with the intent to disrupt the peace process; the people of Northern Ireland are still polarized regarding their political and national standings, which decrease the chances of Irish reunification in the near future. The intent of this thesis is to explore the feasibility of Irish reunification in the 21st century, and its reasons why a united Ireland will not be obtained. By examining the global policy towards terrorism after September 11th 2001, the recent net-immigration to Ireland preceded by the "Celtic Tiger" period in The Republic of Ireland's economic boon, and the complexities of the perceived identities in Northern Ireland, the unlikelihood of reunifying Ireland under one government, independent from the United Kingdom will be reiterated.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0004081, ucf:44801
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004081

terrorism (14)	+ -
Terrorism (9)	+ -
Islam (3)	+ -
terror (3)	+ -
Afghanistan (2)	+ -

content analysis (2)	+ -
media (2)	+ -
terrorist (2)	+ -
15 countries (1)	+ -
30 years (1)	+ -
9-11 (1)	+ -
ARMM (1)	+ -
AUMF (1)	+ -
Abu Sayyaf (1)	+ -
Ahmadinejad (1)	+ -
Allegiance (1)	+ -
Asia (1)	+ -
Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindinao (1)	+ -
Breach (1)	+ -
Bureaucracy (1)	+ -
CGI (1)	+ -
Central Asia (1)	+ -
Charge (1)	+ -
Clause (1)	+ -
Cognition (1)	+ -
Communications (1)	+ -
Comparative Analysis (1)	+ -
Conflict (1)	+ -
Conflict Resolution (1)	+ -
Constitution (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (17)	+ -
Honors Collection (13)	+ -

University of Central Florida (30)	+ -
Sadri, Houman (8)	+ -
Dolan, Thomas (4)	+ -
Boutton, Andrew (2)	+ -
Handberg, Roger (2)	+ -

Houghton, David (2)	+ -
Kapucu, Naim (2)	+ -
Mirilovic, Nikola (2)	+ -
Schafer, Mark (2)	+ -
Turcu, Anca (2)	+ -
Vasquez, Joseph (2)	+ -
Akita, Kimiko (1)	+ -
Ballion, Tatiana (1)	+ -
Bandel, Peter (1)	+ -
Baroni, Samiah (1)	+ -
Beckman, James (1)	+ -
Besaw, Clayton (1)	+ -
Bledsoe, Robert (1)	+ -
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Demirhan, Cihan (1)	+ -
Dolan, Christopher (1)	+ -
Donley, Amy (1)	+ -
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