Ariel Merari
Biographic Data
| ID | 1493937 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Ariel Merari |
| GIVEN NAMES | Ariel |
| FAMILY NAME | Merari |
| SIGNATURE | MERARI A |
| AFFILIATIONS | Tel Aviv University |
| VERIFIED | No |
| TOTAL WORKS | 17 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 74 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 17 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1973 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2022 |
| H-INDEX | 4 |
Interviews With, and Tests of, Palestinian Independent Assailants
This study was designed to investigate the background, psychological characteristics and motivations of independent actors who carried out attacks in Israel. It also examined the antecedent factors that influenced their decision to carry out an attack, and their retrospective attitudes to the act. Forty-five Palestinians who had carried out attacks against Israeli targets on their own initiative were interviewed in prison about their background, …
The International Dimension of Palestinian Terrorism
Terrorism, by its very nature, is a dynamic and rapidly changing phenomenon. This is particularly true of Palestinian terrorism: it is pluralistic in composition, flourishes in a highly volatile region, and is affected by numerous external actors and elements. Hence any attempt to produce research on Palestinian terrorism of a completely up-to-date nature is doomed to failure. Most of the work on this study was completed by the fall of 1985, and …
International Dimension of Palestinian Terrorism
Divergent Paths to Martyrdom and Significance Among Suicide Attackers
This research used open source information to investigate the motivational backgrounds of 219 suicide attackers from various regions of the world. We inquired as to whether the attackers exhibited evidence for significance quest as a motive for their actions, and whether the eradication of significance loss and/or the aspiration for significance gain systematically differed according to attackers’ demographics. It was found that the specific natu…
Studying Suicide Bombers: A Response to Brym and Araj's Critique
In this issue of Studies in Conflict & Terrorism Brym and Araj published a critique of the study of would-be suicide bombers that the present author carried out with colleagues. Brym and Araj's point of departure was their allegation that the article attributed the Palestinian suicide attacks mainly to depression and suicidality of the suicide bombers. Their critique was aimed at disputing this alleged attribution. For this end they criticized va…
Making Palestinian "Martyrdom Operations"/"Suicide Attacks: Interviews With Would-Be Perpetrators and Organizers
Knowledge about the ways in which suicide attacks are recruited and prepared and on the motivation of suicide bombers and the factors that influence the decisions of organizers of suicide attacks has so far been sketchy and sporadic, derived mostly from media sources. In this study, 15 Palestinian would-be suicides and 14 organizers of suicide attacks participated in semi-structured interviews designed to fill this lacuna. The paper focuses on th…
Personality Characteristics of "Self Martyrs"/"Suicide Bombers" and Organizers of Suicide Attacks
This is a report of a direct psychological examination of suicide, or “martyrdom” terrorists and of organizers of martyrdom attacks. Assessments of the personality of self-martyrs have so far relied on biographical material drawn from secondary sources. In the absence of direct psychological examinations, the debate on the existence of distinctive personality factors among suicide terrorists has so far remained at the hypothetical level. This stu…
Israel Facing Terrorism
Throughout its existence as a state, Israel has had to cope with intense terrorism in three arenas: within its territory, across the borders, and abroad. This problem has been a major political and psychological factor in Israel's reality and the need to cope with it has forced the public and governments to deal with hard dilemmas. This article examines Israel's conduct in the struggle against terrorism with regard to the choice between maintaini…
Terrorism as a strategy of struggle: Past and future
(1999). Terrorism as a strategy of struggle: Past and future. Terrorism and Political Violence: Vol. 11, The Future of Terrorism, pp. 52-65
Attacks on civil aviation: Trends and lessons
(1998). Attacks on civil aviation: Trends and lessons. Terrorism and Political Violence: Vol. 10, Aviation Terrorism and Security, pp. 9-26
Terrorism as a strategy of insurgency
Academic research and government policy on terrorism
Since 1968 international terrorism has grown considerably, despite governments' effort to curb it. Part of this failure is attributable to the inadequate contribution of academic research to government policy making on terrorism. The paper identifies three problem areas that hinder academic influence on government policy making in this field. These are: (1) Terrorism is a difficult subject for research because its diversity makes generalizations …
The Palestinianintifada: An analysis of a popular uprising after seven months∗
(1989). The Palestinian intifada: An analysis of a popular uprising after seven months. Terrorism and Political Violence: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 177-201
The Psychological Impact of Terrorism: A Double-Edged Sword
Political terrorism is a sophisticated form of psychological warfare which aims to accomplish political ends by bearing on individuals' emotions and attitudes. This article presents the results of a public opinion survey, conducted on an Israeli national sample, which was designed to evaluate the psychological impacts of terroristic activity and the basic assumptions that guide it. The results indicate that terrorism is highly effective in induci…
Problems Related to the Symptomatic Treatment of Terrorism
A classification of terrorist groups
In contradistinction to existing typologies of terrorist organizations by ideology or intent, a functional classification is suggested. By analyzing terrorist groups according to their target population and base of operation, four basic types of organizations are delineated: Domestic‐based xenofighters, foreign‐based xenofighters, domestic‐based homofighters, and foreign‐based homofighters. On the basis of the operational objectives and specific …
Effects of Alcohol on Mating Behavior of the Female Rat
Following intraperitoneal injections of alcohol, female rats exhibited impaired lordosis responses. The changes in mating behavior are attributed to a suppressive influence of alcohol on spinal cen
The Psychological Impact of Terrorism: A Double-Edged Sword
Political terrorism is a sophisticated form of psychological warfare which aims to accomplish political ends by bearing on individuals' emotions and attitudes. This article presents the results of a public opinion survey, conducted on an Israeli national sample, which was designed to evaluate the psychological impacts of terroristic activity and the basic assumptions that guide it. The results indicate that terrorism is highly effective in induci…
Terrorism as a strategy of insurgency
Personality Characteristics of "Self Martyrs"/"Suicide Bombers" and Organizers of Suicide Attacks
This is a report of a direct psychological examination of suicide, or “martyrdom” terrorists and of organizers of martyrdom attacks. Assessments of the personality of self-martyrs have so far relied on biographical material drawn from secondary sources. In the absence of direct psychological examinations, the debate on the existence of distinctive personality factors among suicide terrorists has so far remained at the hypothetical level. This stu…
A classification of terrorist groups
In contradistinction to existing typologies of terrorist organizations by ideology or intent, a functional classification is suggested. By analyzing terrorist groups according to their target population and base of operation, four basic types of organizations are delineated: Domestic‐based xenofighters, foreign‐based xenofighters, domestic‐based homofighters, and foreign‐based homofighters. On the basis of the operational objectives and specific …
Divergent Paths to Martyrdom and Significance Among Suicide Attackers
This research used open source information to investigate the motivational backgrounds of 219 suicide attackers from various regions of the world. We inquired as to whether the attackers exhibited evidence for significance quest as a motive for their actions, and whether the eradication of significance loss and/or the aspiration for significance gain systematically differed according to attackers’ demographics. It was found that the specific natu…
Studying Suicide Bombers: A Response to Brym and Araj's Critique
In this issue of Studies in Conflict & Terrorism Brym and Araj published a critique of the study of would-be suicide bombers that the present author carried out with colleagues. Brym and Araj's point of departure was their allegation that the article attributed the Palestinian suicide attacks mainly to depression and suicidality of the suicide bombers. Their critique was aimed at disputing this alleged attribution. For this end they criticized va…
Making Palestinian "Martyrdom Operations"/"Suicide Attacks: Interviews With Would-Be Perpetrators and Organizers
Knowledge about the ways in which suicide attacks are recruited and prepared and on the motivation of suicide bombers and the factors that influence the decisions of organizers of suicide attacks has so far been sketchy and sporadic, derived mostly from media sources. In this study, 15 Palestinian would-be suicides and 14 organizers of suicide attacks participated in semi-structured interviews designed to fill this lacuna. The paper focuses on th…
Terrorism as a strategy of struggle: Past and future
(1999). Terrorism as a strategy of struggle: Past and future. Terrorism and Political Violence: Vol. 11, The Future of Terrorism, pp. 52-65
Academic research and government policy on terrorism
Since 1968 international terrorism has grown considerably, despite governments' effort to curb it. Part of this failure is attributable to the inadequate contribution of academic research to government policy making on terrorism. The paper identifies three problem areas that hinder academic influence on government policy making in this field. These are: (1) Terrorism is a difficult subject for research because its diversity makes generalizations …
The Palestinianintifada: An analysis of a popular uprising after seven months∗
(1989). The Palestinian intifada: An analysis of a popular uprising after seven months. Terrorism and Political Violence: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 177-201
Israel Facing Terrorism
Throughout its existence as a state, Israel has had to cope with intense terrorism in three arenas: within its territory, across the borders, and abroad. This problem has been a major political and psychological factor in Israel's reality and the need to cope with it has forced the public and governments to deal with hard dilemmas. This article examines Israel's conduct in the struggle against terrorism with regard to the choice between maintaini…
Attacks on civil aviation: Trends and lessons
(1998). Attacks on civil aviation: Trends and lessons. Terrorism and Political Violence: Vol. 10, Aviation Terrorism and Security, pp. 9-26
Problems Related to the Symptomatic Treatment of Terrorism
Effects of Alcohol on Mating Behavior of the Female Rat
Following intraperitoneal injections of alcohol, female rats exhibited impaired lordosis responses. The changes in mating behavior are attributed to a suppressive influence of alcohol on spinal cen
A classification of terrorist groups
In contradistinction to existing typologies of terrorist organizations by ideology or intent, a functional classification is suggested. By analyzing terrorist groups according to their target population and base of operation, four basic types of organizations are delineated: Domestic‐based xenofighters, foreign‐based xenofighters, domestic‐based homofighters, and foreign‐based homofighters. On the basis of the operational objectives and specific …
Problems Related to the Symptomatic Treatment of Terrorism
The Psychological Impact of Terrorism: A Double-Edged Sword
Political terrorism is a sophisticated form of psychological warfare which aims to accomplish political ends by bearing on individuals' emotions and attitudes. This article presents the results of a public opinion survey, conducted on an Israeli national sample, which was designed to evaluate the psychological impacts of terroristic activity and the basic assumptions that guide it. The results indicate that terrorism is highly effective in induci…
The Palestinianintifada: An analysis of a popular uprising after seven months∗
(1989). The Palestinian intifada: An analysis of a popular uprising after seven months. Terrorism and Political Violence: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 177-201
Academic research and government policy on terrorism
Since 1968 international terrorism has grown considerably, despite governments' effort to curb it. Part of this failure is attributable to the inadequate contribution of academic research to government policy making on terrorism. The paper identifies three problem areas that hinder academic influence on government policy making in this field. These are: (1) Terrorism is a difficult subject for research because its diversity makes generalizations …
Terrorism as a strategy of insurgency
Attacks on civil aviation: Trends and lessons
(1998). Attacks on civil aviation: Trends and lessons. Terrorism and Political Violence: Vol. 10, Aviation Terrorism and Security, pp. 9-26
Terrorism as a strategy of struggle: Past and future
(1999). Terrorism as a strategy of struggle: Past and future. Terrorism and Political Violence: Vol. 11, The Future of Terrorism, pp. 52-65
Israel Facing Terrorism
Throughout its existence as a state, Israel has had to cope with intense terrorism in three arenas: within its territory, across the borders, and abroad. This problem has been a major political and psychological factor in Israel's reality and the need to cope with it has forced the public and governments to deal with hard dilemmas. This article examines Israel's conduct in the struggle against terrorism with regard to the choice between maintaini…
Making Palestinian "Martyrdom Operations"/"Suicide Attacks: Interviews With Would-Be Perpetrators and Organizers
Knowledge about the ways in which suicide attacks are recruited and prepared and on the motivation of suicide bombers and the factors that influence the decisions of organizers of suicide attacks has so far been sketchy and sporadic, derived mostly from media sources. In this study, 15 Palestinian would-be suicides and 14 organizers of suicide attacks participated in semi-structured interviews designed to fill this lacuna. The paper focuses on th…
Personality Characteristics of "Self Martyrs"/"Suicide Bombers" and Organizers of Suicide Attacks
This is a report of a direct psychological examination of suicide, or “martyrdom” terrorists and of organizers of martyrdom attacks. Assessments of the personality of self-martyrs have so far relied on biographical material drawn from secondary sources. In the absence of direct psychological examinations, the debate on the existence of distinctive personality factors among suicide terrorists has so far remained at the hypothetical level. This stu…
Studying Suicide Bombers: A Response to Brym and Araj's Critique
In this issue of Studies in Conflict & Terrorism Brym and Araj published a critique of the study of would-be suicide bombers that the present author carried out with colleagues. Brym and Araj's point of departure was their allegation that the article attributed the Palestinian suicide attacks mainly to depression and suicidality of the suicide bombers. Their critique was aimed at disputing this alleged attribution. For this end they criticized va…
Divergent Paths to Martyrdom and Significance Among Suicide Attackers
This research used open source information to investigate the motivational backgrounds of 219 suicide attackers from various regions of the world. We inquired as to whether the attackers exhibited evidence for significance quest as a motive for their actions, and whether the eradication of significance loss and/or the aspiration for significance gain systematically differed according to attackers’ demographics. It was found that the specific natu…
The International Dimension of Palestinian Terrorism
Terrorism, by its very nature, is a dynamic and rapidly changing phenomenon. This is particularly true of Palestinian terrorism: it is pluralistic in composition, flourishes in a highly volatile region, and is affected by numerous external actors and elements. Hence any attempt to produce research on Palestinian terrorism of a completely up-to-date nature is doomed to failure. Most of the work on this study was completed by the fall of 1985, and …
International Dimension of Palestinian Terrorism
Interviews With, and Tests of, Palestinian Independent Assailants
This study was designed to investigate the background, psychological characteristics and motivations of independent actors who carried out attacks in Israel. It also examined the antecedent factors that influenced their decision to carry out an attack, and their retrospective attitudes to the act. Forty-five Palestinians who had carried out attacks against Israeli targets on their own initiative were interviewed in prison about their background, …
Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Political Violence (13 works) · Criminology (12 works) · Law (12 works) · Political science (12 works) · Terrorism (11 works) · Psychology (9 works) · Sociology (8 works) · Politics (7 works) · Social Psychology (7 works) · Law (5 works)