PROFILING LONE ACTOR TERRORIST

Abstract: Lone actor terrorism is a serious growing threat in Western European countries as the number of lone actor terrorist attacks have multiplied over the last 15 years. However, knowledge on this type of terrorism is insufficient. As a result, this study evaluates whether there are common personal, social, psychological and operational characteristics among lone actor terrorists (LATs), and if any profile can be drawn in regard to a lone actor terrorist. A total of 36 LATs were identified between 1st January 2015 and 31st December 2016 in Western European countries through the Global Terrorism Database. These LATs were profiled in regard to their sociodemographic characteristics, attack characteristics, method of radicalization and ideology, modus operandi, and typology. Findings of this study show that although there is no one single unique profile for LATs, there are some common characteristics that can aid policy makers and security and intelligence agencies to plan a more effective counter-terrorism policies and operations.