Lone wolf terrorists exhibit psychological traits such as impulsiveness and reactionary behavior, often driven by a strong passion for specific beliefs rather than mental disorders. Their motivations are typically influenced by domestic factors, including political and social environments, rather than international causes. The readings emphasize that personal experiences of trauma or alienation contribute significantly to their radicalization and actions.

1. *****reply to this post at least 350 words*****
Based on the required readings this week by Gartenstein-
Ross, Michael, and Upadhyay, summarize the psychological and
behavioral factors that appear to be most prevalent among lone
wolf terrorists. Additionally, do you see these terrorists as
primarily focused on domestic inspirations or international
causes?
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OF THEM LISTED BELOW***
1. This weeks forum discussion brings up the idea of a 'Lone
Wolf' and leaderless resistance.
What are some of the psychological and behavioral factors that
appear to be most prevalent among lone wolf terrorist?
Since the tragedy of 9/11, lone wolf actors have become the
predominant issue regarding terrorist actions around the world.
Lone-wolf terrorist carry out their intent without direct support

2. from sponsoring organizations. Through research it is clear that
one prevalent pyschological trait that stuck out was how
impulsive and reactionary these people can be. The motivation
to carry out violence stems from a skewed understanding that
those that may follow or support a specific cause would do the
same. Much care and admiration for a certain belief is required
for someone to start down this path. From a psychological
standpoint, there have been countless terrorist throughout
history who have not suffered from mental disorder and still
have terrorist like behavior. In the case of Vera Zasulich, who
was an anti-czarist, was radicalized by the mistreatment of one
of her fellow students at a peaceful activist rally. With that
happening, she felt that the people in charge should die and
attempted to assassinate General-Govenor Trepov. After
shooting the Govenor, she should stood by and awaited the
police (Moskalenko & McCauley, 2011). She knowingly
committed the crime understanding the circumstances under her
own reasoning. Her ending was much different than most
terrorist who commit crime, but it ties into the original thought
that having a passion towards something and becoming
triggered was something many terrorist have in common.
Do you see terrorist being focused towards domestic
inspirations or international causes?
During this time and age it seems like most terrorist are
triggered by what is actively occuring around them. Whether it
be political disagreements, the leader of a specific movement,
the integration of new technology, or even a president. The
lone-wolf attacks in an open and free society, which makes it
simpler for these individuals to move, but also commit these
crimes (Gartenstein-Ross, 2014). The international causes have
somewhat taken a back seat to the domestic occurrences
terrorists readily observe. However, I don't think the
international issues aren't causing prbolems that those its
affecting, but in regards to terrorist attacks, I do not believe

3. they are higher on the radar of lone-wolf terrorist.
2. Discussion Questions: Based on the required readings this
week by Gartenstein-Ross, Michael, and Upadhyay, summarize
the psychological and behavioral factors that appear to be most
prevalent among lone wolf terrorists. Additionally, do you see
these terrorists as primarily focused on domestic inspirations or
international causes?
Throughout all of the assigned readings for the week it is
apparent that the majority of lone wolf terrorists at some point
in their life endured some form of mental anguish. Upadhyay
stated that the actors of lone terror have “suffered abuse at the
hands of their parents during their childhood, had breakdowns,
were mentally unbalanced, had gone through a tough phase in
life or were conditioned through contact with their supposedly
devout families”.
In the Case Study done by Daveed Garenstein-Ross he stated
that there is a “cognitive event” or some sort of alienation,
discrimination, loss of a job, or a death in the family that causes
a person to question their own identity. This process has been
known to cause individuals to be more susceptible to seeking
out or taking on a new identity. Also during a time of crisis
people are more apt to become easily influenced by others.
The article written by George Michael shed some light on
individual subsets of the lone wolf terrorist communities.
Something I had never considered as terrorist activity was
highlighted in regards to animal rights activists. While I do not
condone violence or aggressive behavior I feel as though these
people have every right to protest and slander businesses that
facilitate the use of animals for testing. I have to be honest in

4. saying that I do not believe these groups should be considered
as lone terrorists as they are fighting for animal rights where
those living creatures have no voice. I’m sure there will be a
debate regarding my stance on the topic, however, I would
enjoy hearing someone else’s thoughts who disagrees.
To continue with the topic for the week, I think it is difficult to
say if the main focus of a lone terrorist is primarily domestic
issues or international causes. These acts of lone terrorism are
inspired by the environment in which the person affected is
surrounded by, the amount of technology they are exposed to,
the person’s current mental state, and the personal opinion on
the world around them or at least what is in their purview.