Lone Wolf Terrorism Analysis

A thorough analysis of deadly lone wolf cases in the United States since 2009 shows the significant factors that contribute to radicalization in each incident. Lone wolf terrorism is arguably the most widely used method of terrorism in today’s world. Based on the six cases listed above, individuals actively sought out ISIS and or Islamic ideologies. While there are plethora of propaganda and right wing views available online, the individual plays a significant part in this exchange. The facts presented about the cases suggest that ISIS and other Islamic ideologies influenced these individuals to commit acts of terror against the United States. In most instances, many family and friends stated that these individuals were “normal” and did

Some of the ways lone wolf attacks are beneficial to ISIS are, one, it is relatively inexpensive and easy to convince others who are indoctrinated with the Islamic religion to commit acts of terror. Two, it requires little or no planning on ISIS’s part; perpetrators often find their target and implement attacks alone. Three, lone wolves are a preferred method of attack because they frustrate countermeasures that are in place to thwart potential attacks, since they are often virtually undetectable. Four, successful attacks sheds light on possible vulnerabilities and also incites fear in society. Five, ISIS is demonstrating the extremist group’s strength through worldwide proliferation by carrying out lone wolf attacks in various countries (Mendelsohn,

The cases presented utilized the descriptive case study method, under which the six cases could be examined individually. The case study of the most recent lone wolf attacks reveals the circumstances under which the phenomenon of the lone wolf takes shape. The framework for this case study included techniques that examines similarities and differences of the cases. While difficult in nature as there are different conditions under which each incident occurred, there are some similarities that cannot be ignored. The comparative case study was chosen for this model because it provides and analytical view of the events leading up the attack. For example, changes in behavior etc. in the cases observed, the series of events leading up to the attack was withdrawn behavior observed by friends and family. In the case of Omar Mateen, his behavior change to one that is more aggressive in nature. The study discovered that all of the perpetrators either during or after their pledged their allegiance to ISIS and the Islamic