Structural Causes of Oppositional Political Terrorism: Towards a Causal Model

Abstract The most prominent causes of oppositional political terrorism can be explained by three categories of theories: structural, psychological, and rational choice. While structural variables are most abundant, and much easier to operationalize and measure than psychological or rational choice factors, they have rarely been integrated into a causal model. Those models and theories that incorporate structural variables, however, suffer from a number of problems. The author analyzes these shortcomings then develops an original model through an examination of a complex array of structural factors descriptive of and associated with the dynamics of terrorism. To this end, the author looks at theories of terrorism, case studies of countries that have experienced terrorism, and movements that consistently relied on the use of terrorism to achieve their political objectives. The resultant factors are integrated into categories, and propositions concerning interactions are presented. Then a sketch of a general structural causal model of the conditions of terrorism is posited. The model is a better foundation for qualitative and quantitative analysis of the causes of terrorism.