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Chapter 4 - Cults and Terrorism

from Section 1 - Typology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 June 2025

By
Natalie Pyszora ,
Debra Smith  and
Chris Winter
Edited by
Tyler Durns ,
Charles Scott ,
Paul Whitehead  and
Barbara E. McDermott
Tyler Durns
Affiliation:
University of Utah
Charles Scott
Affiliation:
University of California, Davis
Paul Whitehead
Affiliation:
University of Utah
Barbara E. McDermott
Affiliation:
University of California, Davis
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Summary

This chapter considers the overlaps and divergences between cults and terrorist movements. It begins by considering whether terrorism has entered a new era that increasingly overlaps with apocalyptic religious cults. It then takes into account the historical tension between defining groups that engage in extremist violence for ideological purposes as terrorist groups, as cults, or as a combination of the two. Following this, an analysis of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria provides a vehicle for drawing out the commonalities and dissimilarities between the two concepts. Finally, the chapter concludes by considering any need to differentiate between terrorism and cults when engaging in risk assessment for individuals at risk of violence, along with strategies for intervention.

Keywords

cultsterrorismviolent extremismthreat assessmentrisk assessmentdisengagementISIS

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Type
Chapter
Information
A Clinical and Forensic Guide to Cults and Persuasive Leadership , pp. 69 - 86
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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