ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to explain “why” extremism and terrorism are inevitable. In coming to this conclusion, you will have discerned certain themes presented throughout this book. These themes are built around ideologies and the resultant balkanization. A useful way to conceptualize how these factors may come together is illustrated by the recent best-selling book, The Tipping Point.1 In my mind, the principles articulated by Gladwell are simple, yet powerful. He contends three principles combine to create phenomena. These principles are:2
1. Contagious behavior 2. Little changes create big effects 3. Change occurs at one dramatic moment
These principles can be demonstrated by the impact and implications of terrorism. As described earlier, the application of terroristic violence occurs at one dramatic moment-when the incident happens, when the bomb explodes. This violence can create responses from opposing groups, from police, and from the larger society. These responses have a certain momentum, resulting in what can be characterized as contagious behavior. This behavior revolves around fear-which is the underlying goal of terrorism. As this dynamic plays out, the little changes that are made by all affected people can have a dramatic effect on the larger society. While Gladwell’s principles are not directly applicable to terrorism, one can envision how the continuum from ideology to terroristic violence to balkanization can result. The “missing link” in this continuum is the “trigger.” The trigger will build on existing
ideologies, which will act as the “fuel for the fire.” When activated, violence will occur. When violence occurs, balkanization will result. In making this assertion, however, I must make clear certain caveats.
