Deterrence can backfire because terrorists may read punishment as reward

Evidence

How terrorists perceive the threat of government coercion may determine whether or not policies of deterrence will work. How terrorists interpret success and failure may be critical to policy effectiveness, since what the government regards as a threat of punishment may be considered by the terrorist as a reward. Policies intended to inhibit terrorism may instead lead to its escalation. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 4183 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Counterterrorism deterrence can backfire because governments and terrorists interpret threats oppositely — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 4183; Martyrdom belief overrides self-preservation, defeating deterrence-based defense; Punitive government responses can reward terrorists by confirming their worldview. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 4162

Broader Connections

• Counterterrorism deterrence can backfire because governments and terrorists interpret threats oppositely #expands (0.92) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 4183