The Incel Revolution- An analysis of misogyny and the lack of definitions of crimes that should be categorized as incel terrorism

Abstract: Although attacks carried out by incels are a growing problem in Western countries, these attacks do not count as terrorism. The purpose of this thesis is to gain a clearer under-standing of why attacks carried out by incels are not considered acts of terrorism. The thesis attempts to answer this question by determining whether misogyny, definitions of critical components, or other factors account for the categorization of incel attacks. To investigate this question, I draw on court verdicts, manifestoes, and Manne’s theory of misogyny. I also present an alternative to the current definitions of ““terrorism,” “hate crime,” and “ideology,” based on the definitions most commonly used by various coun-tries and organizations. To establish a precedent, I use five terrorist crimes committed by four far-right perpetrators and one incel. I then investigate five incel cases that have not been defined as terrorism. Based on precedent and Jack Ågren’s 8-step method, I con-clude that, of the five incel cases discussed, three can be categorized as terrorism, and one can be categorized as a hate crime. I do not have enough information about the last case to determine whether it was a terrorist crime, although there appear to have been prepa-rations for a terrorist crime. Based on my own definitions of key concepts and Manne’s theory, I also conclude that misogyny is one reason why these crimes are not categorized as terrorism, although it may not be the only reason. There is a need for more research, carried out using different approaches, to determine why these crimes are not classified as terrorism.