An Criminological Approach to Explain TERROR and Terrorism

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explain the causes of terrorism based on criminological perspectives. The existing theory of terrorism has been proposed mainly outside of the academic of criminology such as, politics, economics, sociology, etc. However, terrorism is a deviant act that is no different from ordinary crime. Thus, exist-ing criminology theories can explain terrorism. Especially, in this study, three major criminological theories, such as social disorganization theory, crime opportunity theory, and general strain theory, were discussed. Method: This study sought to achieve its purpose through theoretical comparison. First, this study focused on the discussion of pervious theories proposed by the academic fields outside of criminology. Many theories have been suggested to explain terrorism. In particular, various theories have been suggested in the fields of politics and economics. Typical terrorist theories include violence, international political structural theory, social structural theory, and game theory. Secondly, the author attempted to explain terrorism by applying various theoretical approaches to criminology such as social disorganization, strain, and opportunity perspectives. In order to under-stand terrorism well, it is essential to understand the status of terrorism. Thus, this study tried to analyze the GTD to understand the current status of terrorism from 1790 to 2019. The status analysis showed how often terrorism occurred, where it occurred, and the seasonal changes in the outbreak. Results: As a result of comparative analysis of theory, there was a limitation that the theories proposed in areas other than conventional criminology explained the cause of terrorism centered on political conflict. This has limita-tions in presenting practical policy alternatives. This is because the political problem is very complicated and diffi-cult to solve. Meanwhile, when applying the theory of criminology, the understanding and problem-solving of terrorism were more clear. In the case of strain theory, it has the advantage that it has been able to present a vari-ety of collective tension mitigation measures in a particular region. The theory of social disorganization theory suggests ways to strengthen social control in the concentrated areas of terrorism. The theory that the most effi-cient practical policy proposal is seen as a criminal opportunity theory. The criminal opportunity theory suggests that terrorism can also be prevented through situation control because it is an act that takes opportunities and situations into account. Conclusion: Crime and terrorism are not separate concepts. Terrorism is a sub-concept that belongs to a criminal act. Thus, the theory of criminology can be used to fully explain terrorism. If the cause of terrorism is identified through a criminological approach, more effective alternatives can be proposed. This requires follow-up studies that apply criminology theory in future terrorist studies.

목차 (Table of Contents)

• 1. Introduction 2. Current Status of Terrorism 3. Theories of Terrorism 4. Conclusion 5. References 6. Appendix