Future Directions in Research

There is need to conduct further research to establish the fundamental role played by ideology in influencing the occurrence of terrorist related behavior.

This is primarily because the current speculation regarding the association of terrorism behavior with the exposure of individuals or groups through certain belief structures needs to be proven as indeed causative. This area of research has motivated the development of significant study objectives with an aim of providing proof of the role of ideology in molding psychological traits associated with terrorism. For instance, a recent scholarship put emphasis on the radicalization processes taking place in individuals, organizations and environments, and how these are framed through impact from interpretive influencers in the form of peers, educational, family, and religious leaders (Forest, 2009). The elements act as specific centers from which ideological factors emanate. In respect these produce interpretations and interactions impacting upon individuals to be involved in potential terrorist activity (Forest, 2009). In essence, some of the psychological attributes involved in the development of specific ideological fundamentals emanate from religious influences.

According to Maham and Griset (2003) “…the structure of terrorism has evolved throughout the 20th century, and the new millennium will witness yet another metamorphosis as religion becomes one of the dominant factors in terrorist violence” (p.104). This shows the manner in which ideological perspectives influence some of the radical sentiments expressed by individuals, which spur the growth and emancipation of terrorist activities.