Citation

Kallenborn Z, Ackerman G, Bleek PC. Terrorism Polit. Violence 2023; 35(7): 1556-1585.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09546553.2022.2061960

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Emerging technologies provide new opportunities for terrorist organizations. Future terrorists may use multiple drones--either en masse or coordinated with each other in cruder or more sophisticated ways--to cause harm, potentially at scale. This study explores the topic via theoretical exploration and threat assessment. The first half explores relevant literatures on terrorist innovation; suicide bombing; airpower; and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) terrorism. The second half builds on the literature review to provide a systematic, albeit preliminary, threat assessment, examining the threat as a function of motivations and capabilities, and elucidates the characteristics of groups that may be drawn to this technology. Policy recommendations to ameliorate this emerging threat conclude.

Language: en

Keywords

decision-making; drones; mass casualty terrorism; Terrorist innovation; threat assessment