Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the Social-psychology profile ofterrorist leaders in Israeli prisons. The research was conducted with the
cooperation of the Intelligence Department of the Israeli Prison System. The
study is qualitative and was conducted through in-depth interviews with
leaders of terrorist organisations in prisons around Israel. A total of 18
Palestinian leaders were interviewed in several prisons around the country.
The participants were leaders of major terrorist organisations in Israel: Fatah,
Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
The research focuses on five main themes:
1. Social influence factors: Adolescence, family, social surroundings, the
organisation and their influence on the leader's adjustment to
imprisonment.
2. Personality profile of the leaders and whether they have symptoms of a
psychopathic personality based on Hare psychopathy check list (PCLSV)
3. Mindset: General perspectives such as rationalisations for committing
terrorist acts, perceptions towards the victims, Israeli society and their
actions in relation to the conflict.
4. Leadership profile: What kind of leaders are they? How do they perceive
this position? How do they see their conduct and achievements as leaders?
Would they want to continue their leadership position outside of prison?
5. Imprisonment: the effect of the prison experience and their
radicalisation or de-radicalisation process.
The main findings of this research suggest that the leaders of terrorist groups
in Israeli prisons are going through a unique process while incarcerated, that
psychopathic personality profile was found among them and their
rationalisations for carrying out the terrorist acts are quite varied.
Furthermore, the findings of this study highlight the importance of the aspects
of social surrounding and culture on the prisoner’s mind-set and conduct, as
well as on their adjustment to imprisonment and their radicalisation or deradicalisation
process.
| Date of Award | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | John Gearson (Supervisor) & Michael Rainsborough (Supervisor) |