ABSTRACT
The choices of copycat terrorists depend on the outcomes achieved by their predecessors, rivals or idols. The predecessors’ outcomes are the reference point against which the outcomes of prospective actions are evaluated. Depending on the position of the reference point, the copycat takes more or less risk in selecting attack methods and targets. The reference point, perhaps one of the most important concepts in behavioural economics, is also central to explaining rivalries between terrorist groups and the choices that they make in trying to assert their ascendancy.
