Author: Carlo Lazzari

Psychological Assessment and Interventions for Individuals Linked to Radicalization and Lone Wolf Terrorism

eBook: US $39 Special Offer (PDF + Printed Copy): US $72
Printed Copy: US $52
Library License: US $156
ISBN: 978-981-4998-34-5 (Print)
ISBN: 978-981-4998-33-8 (Online)
Year of Publication: 2021
DOI: 10.2174/97898149983381210101

Introduction

In recent times, the phenomenon of lone wolf terrorism has been observed with the social assumption that a radicalized individual is only guided by personal, social, and ethnic reasons to commit an extremist act. Nevertheless, there is still much to understand about this phenomenon and improve the methods of investigation or psychiatric interventions. This handbook attempts to cover gaps in understanding the psychiatric aspects of radicalization and the phenomenon of lone-wolf terrorism. Edited by expert clinical psychologists, the contributors have taken both a qualitative and theoretical route to analyze the phenomenon, prompted by their clinical experience with mental health professionals, being in contact with radicalized people living in local towns and prisons.

Key Features:

  • - Addresses the topic of lone wolf terrorism from multiple angles including psychological aspects, social aspects, philosophical aspects and prevention
  • - Provides insights into forensic psychiatric methods used to study terrorism
  • - Includes contributions from several mental health experts
  • - Explains information in a concise, easy to comprehend manner
  • - Includes references for further research

Psychological Assessment and Interventions for Individuals Linked to Radicalization and Lone Wolf Terrorism serves as a practical handbook for psychologists, psychiatrists, criminologists, social workers, allied professionals (such as law enforcement officers) and students (in criminology, social science or psychology programs for example) who want to learn about the causes and prevention of terrorism, with a focus on radicalization processes and lone wolf agents.

Foreword

The issue of radicalization and terrorism has never been more important than it is today. Everyone has an opinion, and the lack of a coherent and holistic approach potentially puts us all at risk. This book looks at this crucial topic in a systematic and structured way. It shines the light of psychiatry into its many dark and poorly understood recesses, and it is my honor to write the Foreword to this exciting book. The Introduction covers some useful definitions and sets the scene. Chapter 1 explores the social and cultural aspects of radicalization, which then provides a solid foundation for the rest of the book. There are two chapters that explore the role of psychiatry in much greater depth, including a psychiatric analysis of radicalization and, importantly, the role of other mental health professionals, two areas that have been very much neglected in this critical debate. In addition, although men have featured very prominently in discussions about radicalization, Chapter 2 very thoughtfully explores these issues in both women and children. Chapter 3 reviews the phenomenology of lone wolf radicalization and, in particular, digs deeper and helpfully into areas such as emotions, thoughts, and beliefs relevant to this discussion. The final chapter pulls together ideas for future research and makes some sensible suggestions for moving this whole area forward. This is a succinct and meticulous book that tackles this topic in a logical and well-thought-out way. I am also extremely pleased that the book is grounded in clinical psychiatry and seeks to understand the issue of radicalization through clinical analysis, research, and evidence-based data. The focus is very much on attempting to understand the lone wolf within their personal and social context, and this approach, in my view, is much more likely to be a productive way to find answers that help individuals, their families, and society more generally. The book brings together theory and practice and offers genuine solutions. The overall ‘feel’ of this book is one of expert knowledge within a holistic framework. The book will appeal to a wide readership, including professionals working in the field, clinicians, managers, and policymakers who want to refresh and update their knowledge as well as challenge their thinking about this subject.

Stephen Curran
University of Huddersfield
United Kingdom

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