ABSTRACT
Although the study of terrorism and terrorist groups certainly pre-dates the events of 9/11, and it is also the case that since 9/11 there has been a significant increase in such research, it is also clear that there remains a lack of systematic empirical research upon which risk assessment and management can proceed. Indeed, Lum, Kennedy, and Sherley’s (2006) review found that only 3 percent of the terrorism studies involved could be classified as empirical research. This lack of basic research on participation in terrorist groups and in the radicalization process represents a significant shortcoming in the knowledge base for assessing differential risk. The following chapter by Suttmoeller, Chermak, Freilich, and Fitzgerald helps to fill this void through the systematic analysis of white supremacist groups. The authors compare these groups by their involvement in violence. This, in turn, provides a window to the processes in which these groups radicalize their members. Continuing to build this type of database, on white supremacist groups and other extremist groups, is critical to effective risk assessment.
