Chapter Eleven Political Crime and Terrorism

Political Crime Since 9/11 political crime and terrorism have become important areas of criminological inquiry Political crime can be violent and nonviolent Terrorism is only one type of politically motivated crime Definition of political crime Illegal acts that are designed to undermine an existing government and threaten its survival

The Nature of Political Crime May stem from religious or ideological beliefs May not be easy to always label political criminals as antisocial Motivations shift between selfish and selfless desires Behavior is often between conventional and outlawed behavior Political criminals may be motivated by conviction and not greed Acts are often motivated by a higher calling

The Goals of Political Crime Intimidation Revolution Profit Conviction pseudo-conviction

Becoming a Political Criminal No set reason why someone becomes a political criminal There is a regularity in the way ideas are formed Stage 1 – “It’s not right” Stage 2 – “It’s not fair” Stage 3 – “It’s your fault” Stage 4 – “You’re evil”

Types of Political Crime Election Fraud Treason Espionage Industrial espionage Foreign industrial espionage

State Political Crime Sometimes state authorities commit crimes against the people they are supposed to serve Goal may be to maintain power or to uphold the race, class, and gender advantage of those who support the government

Varieties of State Political Crimes Political Corruption Illegal Domestic Surveillance Human Rights Violations State Violence Can include various acts of torture State-corporate Crime

Terrorism Terrorism is the political crime that most are concerned with There is a long history of terrorism Still hard to define it and to separate terrorist acts from interpersonal crimes of violence To be considered terrorism an act must carry the intent to disrupt and change the government and must not be merely a common-law crime committed for greed Often need illegal force against innocent people to achieve an objective (not always political) Economic or social reform

Terrorist and Guerilla “Terrorist” is often used interchangeably with “guerilla” Guerilla comes from the Spanish term meaning “little war” Terrorists have an urban focus Operate in small bands of 3-5 members, target the property or persons of their enemy Guerillas are located in rural areas Attack the military, the police, or government officials The two types can infiltrate the other areas

Terrorist and Insurgent Insurgents are usually the opposition forces in a conflict Goal of insurgents are to confront the existing government for control of all or part of its territory Do not always use violence Require support of a significant portion of the population When they do use violence it is often to inspire support and gain converts

Terrorist and Revolutionary A revolution is seen as a civil war Fighting occurs between nationalists and a sovereign power that holds control of the land or Between the existing government and local groups over ideology and power Can be violent American Revolution, French Revolution Can be nonviolent Non-violent demonstrations in Iran (1970s)

History of Terrorism Acts of terrorism have been known throughout history Religious Roots Gain right to practice their own religion Establish the supremacy of their own religion over others Meet the requirements of the blood-thirsty god or gods they worshipped Political Roots Used as a tactic to gain political rights when rulers had absolute power

Contemporary Forms of Terrorism Revolutionary Terrorists Political Terrorists Right Wing Political Groups Left Wing Political Groups Eco-Terrorism Nationalist Terrorism Retributive Terrorism State Sponsored Terrorism Cult Terrorism Criminal Terrorism

Organization of Terror Groups Terrorist groups tend to be networked or hierarchical Most groups subdivide their affiliates into terror cells Each cell may function independently to one is not compromised by another’s actions Cells can be based on location, employment, family, function

What Motivates the Terrorists? Psychological View Socialization View Ideological View Alienation View

Response to Terrorism Law Enforcement Federal Law Enforcement Department of Homeland Security State and Local Law Enforcement Efforts Using the Law USA Patriot Act Civil Rights Issues Political Solutions