Culturological Analysis of the Motives of Terrorism

The object of this study is the problem of the spread of international terrorism in modern society. Terrorism is a multifaceted phenomenon that is influenced not only by political factors, but also to a large extent by cultural factors. The problem of terrorism has been studied by sociologists, political scientists, and psychologists, but not enough attention has been paid to the cultural analysis of these phenomena. The subject of this study is the cultural background of terrorist activities and the methods of combating them. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the personality of a potential terrorist, as well as the sociocultural factors that make the problem of the terrorist threat relevant. The aim of this work is to study and analyze the motivations behind the emergence and development of terrorism based on a comprehensive scientific understanding of terrorism as a political, social, and cultural phenomenon. The study uses the theory of destructiveness as its methodological framework. The paper notes that states can transform from being constructive to being destructive. An example of this is Nazi Germany. Islamic fundamentalism also contributes to the development of a destructive personality type. Based on the analysis of a destructive society or social group, it can be assumed that destructiveness is generated by any radical ideology that is based on an antinomic vision of the world and the image of the “other” as an enemy. Gradually, terrorist activities transform from acts directed against individuals to crimes aimed at intimidating the entire population. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, in the United States, and of March 22, 2024, at the Crocus City Hall, are clear examples of this. As a result, the following sociocultural factors are highlighted: the “us-them” opposition, the cultural and historical uniqueness of the terrorist, the social activity of a destructive personality type, and conformity.