Lone-Actor Attacks and Organizational Connection: An Analysis of al Qaeda and Daesh Inspired Attacks in the European Union Zone

Abstract

One of the main arguments in the terrorism studies literature is about the validity of the lone actors. While some studies defend that the definition of lone actor to be an oxymoron because it contradicts the generally accepted definition of terrorism, others argue that lone actors are very real. In this article, it is argued that lone actors have some distinct characteristics and that is why they are a real threat to European security. These features are theorized within the framework of the organizational connection variable, and the differences between lone actor and other organized attacks are examined. According to both statistical and descriptive analysis of these attacks, it is concluded that lone actor attacks are used as a conscious strategic choice by al Qaeda and Daesh leadership because of their unique characteristics.