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The Myth of Martyrdom

What Really Drives Suicide Bombers, Rampage Shooters, and Other Self-Destructive Killers
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.

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