Dehumanization : The Turning Point for Terrorism
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Abstract
This review paper aims to explore the role of dehumanization as a pivotal factor in the progression towards terrorism, with a specific focus on how ideological extremists perceive their adversaries. Through a descriptive approach, the study synthesizes research over the last two decades to shed light on the phenomenon of dehumanization.
The findings of the review indicate that dehumanization plays a critical role in the radicalization process, as terrorists distort moral judgments by merging personal and social identities with group membership. This collective identity formation leads extremists to view their opponents as subhuman, thereby justifying violent actions against them.
Moreover, the review underscores the serious repercussions of dehumanization, spanning human, psychological, social, and economic domains. Extremist organizations utilize identity - changing mechanisms to manipulate their members’ moral judgments, exacerbating the dehumanization of adversaries.
Despite the significant implications of dehumanization in terrorism, Arab researchers have largely overlooked this phenomenon. To address this gap, the paper suggests the need for the development of psychological intervention programs targeting individuals susceptible to dehumanizing others. By leveraging insights from research on dehumanization, these interventions aim to mitigate the dangers posed by radicalization and terrorist acts.
Keywords
security studies, dehumanization, social evaluation, moral evaluation, terrorism
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References
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