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Terorizam i problem identiteta
Terrorism and Issue of Identity

Author(s): Ivan Šijaković
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: Nova srpska politička misao
Keywords: terrorism; identity; ethnic group; nation; religion; ideology; freedom; tolerance;

Summary/Abstract: In this article the author inquires whether we entered an era of terrorism. Terrorism is a modern society phenomenon which became prominent particularly in the second half of the 20th century. There is a real danger that the intensity of this phenomenon, expressed by the number of terrorist groups, their means, aims and ways of operations will increase in the 21st century. Terrorism jeopardizes the most important achievements of modern times – democracy, freedom and human rights. There are various causes and reasons for the appearance of terrorist organizations and their cruel actions. This text provides a sociological analysis of the issue of identity as a possible cause for the emergence of various terrorist groups and organizations and their operations. To achieve this goal the author proposes the process of identity formation and values acquisition. Search for identity and its defense cause various problems and difficulties within individuals and groups. It is a unilateral, distorted, “fateful” and “lifesaving” identity for whose defense everything is sacrificed, even one’s own life. Most often it comes down to sacrificing other people’s lives, but one’s own life is also put at stake. Therefore, terrorism is taken to be the sole means of its defense.

  • Issue Year: 14/2007
  • Issue No: 01+02
  • Page Range: 93-107
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: Serbian