Causes and logic of suicide terrorism according to Robert A. Pape : Critical introduction into an ambitious theory
2017
Abstract
The paper focuses on a long-term research project and findings of R. Pape who deals with root causes of suicide terrorism.
Pape has elaborated the largest suicide terrorist attacks database (1980-2010) and a theory of suicide terrorism based on it. His approach consists of three levels of analysis: organizational (strategic), social (community), and individual logic.
The terrorism pattern consists of a rational strategy, that is part of an asymetric conflict with an occupying power which is a democratic state, that is not willing to negotiate. Finally, there must be a religious difference between the two adversaries.
The article also discusses the main criticism of the theory.