Lone-Wolf Terrorism Research Paper

How do the fundamental dynamics of lone-wolf terrorism influence its increasing presence as a challenge to counter-terrorism institutions?

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the manifestation of terrorism as a form of conflict has seen the introduction and expansion of different unconventional methods designed to achieve an array of political, religious and ideological objectives. Of such examples, the concept of ‘lone-wolf’ terrorism has re-emerged as what is perceived to be a relatively contemporary yet effective tactic, causing particular concern among counter-terrorism institutes. Moreover, it has incited claims by noted authorities reiterating its status as a threat, including a statement given by US President Barack Obama claiming that lone-wolf terrorism is the primary threat to US security.
This essay seeks to discern the unique dynamics of lone-wolf terrorism, focussing on five particular aspects of the concept; first, its definition and how this distinguishes it from other forms of terrorism; second, the lack of a definitive background and how this makes terrorist profiling a difficult task; third, the notion of self-radicalisation and the
While this may allow for a broadened understanding of the identity of lone-wolf terrorists, it has also caused the term to be confused with other similar notions, in particular that of ‘sleeper operatives’; this has posed a dilemma to counter-terrorist and law enforcement agencies aiming to distinguish the lone-wolf terrorist from other operatives, primarily due to the fact that excessively generalised definitions of lone-wolf terrorism inadvertently encompass traits that incorporate other tactics. As a result, the distinctive nature of lone-wolf terrorism tends to be disregarded through a loss of clarity on the