Terrorism as theater: Analysis and policy implications

Abstract

In some regards the production of terrorism resembles the production of culture, especially television and theater. Terrorism is a spectacle produced for viewers, many of whom live apart from the violent staged events. Spectacular theater and the telling of memorable stories are inputs for fundraising and motivating subsequent terrorists. This understanding of terrorist motivation has concrete policy implications. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2006Terrorism, Public goods, Focality, Spectacle,