The Myth of Martyrdom
What Really Drives Suicide Bombers, Rampage Shooters, and Other Self-Destructive Killers
by:
Adam Lankford
in:
Sociology
Summary:
The book challenges the common perception that suicide terrorists are primarily driven by ideology, arguing instead that they are often motivated by personal despair, mental health issues, and suicidal tendencies. It presents a psychological analysis of self-destructive killers, drawing on case studies and interviews to suggest that these individuals are more akin to conventional suicides than to heroic or altruistic figures.
Key points:
1. Suicide Terrorism as Suicide: Lankford believes suicide terrorism is driven by personal issues like depression, not religious or political ideologies. He compares suicide bombers to suicidal individuals escaping personal problems.
Books similar to "The Myth of Martyrdom":
A Mother's Reckoning
Sue Klebold
Killing the Killers
Bill O'Reilly|Martin Dugard
Blood Year
David Kilcullen
When Violence Is the Answer
Tim Larkin
Unholy Wars
John Cooley|John K. Cooley
Trigger Points
Mark Follman
On Killing
Dave Grossman
Defeating Jihad
Sebastian Gorka
The Looming Tower
Lawrence Wright
What It Is Like to Go to War
Karl Marlantes