THE CONCEPT OF LONE-WOLF TERRORISTS

Abstract

The nature of terrorism has changed significantly over the last decade. In recent
years, the phenomenon of so-called lone wolf terrorism has increased with more
and more attacks perpetrated by single actors. The shifting nature of terrorism has
prompted a debate over how to accurately describe individuals that act independently
of a terrorist organization’s chain of command. The lone wolf concept needs to be
re-evaluated and adapted to changed circumstances. The purpose of this paper will
be focused on one of the most unpredictable forms of terrorism acts - those committed
by a single individual, a so-called ”lone wolf terrorist”. Politically, the concept
lone wolf is used to reassure the public and communicate that the danger is no longer
immanent. Academically as well as practically, the concept entails more than
this reassurance. The most difficult part in detecting a lone wolf is that their attacks
occur in the context of multiple ideological frameworks and are not confined to a single
group or system of belief. Currently, there are more questions than answers on
the content and validity of the lone wolf concept, but we should be alert and aware
that the external conditions have changed, and old responses may not be appropriate
anymore to present-day lone actor terrorism.