Radical Theology as a Destabilizing Aspect of the 21st Century Strategic Security Continuum

Abstract

This study examines the role of radical theology and religious violence as destabilizing trends in the 21st Century. Radical religious ideology, or the corruption of a basic faith, enables widespread violence and destruction and elevates this type of terrorism to the strategic level. This paper reviews the basic definitions and causes of secular terrorism and then examines radical religious ideology using contemporary cases to study the organizational goals and fundamental beliefs of politically radical religious groups. From these cases' conclusions the potential threats and opportunities and a methodology are offered to identify, classify, and preempt or confront these types of adversaries. The study concludes with an analysis of religious terrorism's center of gravity and the vulnerabilities of this center of gravity, and with specific recommendations for U.S. decision makers.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 21, 2006
Accession Number
ADA448500

Entities

People

  • W. D. Brinkley

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Center Of Gravity
  • Christianity
  • Domestic Terrorism
  • Education
  • Governments
  • Law
  • National Security
  • Religion
  • Security
  • Societies
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Violence
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.
  • Strategic Security Studies