Oedipal generational-conflict theory fails to explain terrorism’s selective recruitment

Evidence

The pronounced activism of the totalitarian movements, their preference for terrorism over all other forms of political activity, attracted the intellectual elite and the mob alike, precisely because this terrorism was so utterly different from that of the earlier revolutionary societies. It was no longer a matter of calculated policy which saw in terrorist acts the only means to eliminate certain outstanding personalities who, because of their policies or position, had become the symbol of oppression. What proved so attractive was that terrorism had become a kind of philosophy through which to express frustration, resentment, and blind hatred, a kind of political expressionism which used bombs to express oneself, which watched delightedly the publicity given to resounding deeds and was absolutely willing to pay the price of life for having succeeded in forcing the recognition of one’s existence on the normal strata of society. — Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism, 788 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Terrorism stems from small-group dynamics rather than abnormal personalities — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 4179; Terrorism results from predispositions interacting with political context, not personality alone — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 4086; Environment-only theories overpredict who becomes a terrorist (+5 more)

Broader Connections

• Totalitarian terrorism served as self-expression rather than calculated policy #complicates (0.71) — Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism, 788