Mechanisms of moral disengagement

This chapter analyzes how the mechanisms of moral disengagement function in terrorist operations. The mechanisms of moral disengagement involve cognitive and social machinations but not literal self-deception. Acting on moral or ideological imperatives reflects a conscious offense mechanism, not an unconscious defense mechanism. Cognitive restructuring of behavior through moral justifications and palliative characterizations is the most effective psychological mechanism for promoting destructive conduct. Moral justification is brought into play in selecting counterterrorist measures. Public intimidation is a key element that distinguishes terrorist violence from other forms of violence. People who are objects of terrorist attacks, in turn, characterize their retaliatory violence as trifling, or even laudable, by comparing them with carnage and terror perpetrated by terrorists. Terrorist behavior evolves through extensive training in moral disengagement and terrorist prowess, rather than emerging full blown. The various disengagement practices form an integral part of the training.