Date of Graduation

5-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Sociology (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Sociology and Criminal Justice

Advisor/Mentor

Smith, Brent L.

Committee Member

Shields, Christopher A.

Second Committee Member

Drawve, Grant R.

Third Committee Member

Gruenewald, Jeffery A.

Keywords

Criminology; Domestic; Longevity; Political Violence; Terrorism

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine factors that affect the longevity of individual terrorists. Previous studies on terrorist group longevity have focused on the decisions terrorist groups have made rather than focusing on factors that help individuals evade capture. Literature also suggests that terrorists that manage to stay active may be able to use this as a valuable recruiting tool. This project examines six different relationships with longevity, including Attorney General (AG) Guidelines, demographics, ideology, level of participation, number of activities, and sophistication of attack. To examine these relationships, data will be used from the American Terrorism Study (ATS) to conduct bivariate analysis. The results support most of the exploratory hypotheses presented. This project will conclude by proposing possible avenues for future research.

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