TY - JOUR PY - 2010// TI - A general strain theory of terrorism JO - Theoretical criminology A1 - Agnew, R. SP - 131 EP - 153 VL - 14 IS - 2 N2 - This article reviews and critiques current strain-based explanations of terrorism, then draws on general strain theory and the terrorism research to present a general strain theory of terrorism. This theory states that terrorism is most likely when people experience ‘collective strains’ that are: (a) high in magnitude, with civilians affected; (b) unjust; and (c) inflicted by significantly more powerful others, including ‘complicit’ civilians, with whom members of the strained collectivity have weak ties. These collective strains increase the likelihood of terrorism for several reasons, but they do not lead to terrorism in all cases—a range of factors condition their effect.

LA - SN - 1362-4806 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1362480609350163 ID - ref1 ER -