A Correlational Analysis of Lone Actor Terrorists and Military Experience
Kristína Jakubíková
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between military experience and lone actor terrorism through 12 hypotheses analyzing the military environment, ideology, attack preparation and execution, identity theory, and behavioural characteristics. Correlational analysis of cue variables showed only a few significant results. Thrill-seeking and military targets were positively associated with military experience, while business targets and the use of unsophisticated weapons were negatively associated with having a military background. Variables such as egotistical behavior, work-related stressors, right-wing ideology, and command and control links were not associated with military experience. As a result, it is concluded that the relationship between military experience and lone-actor terrorism is not as outstanding as it was hypothesized.