Mapping Research Fields of the ‘Lone-Actor Terrorism’ and Counterterrorism

Abstract

The aim of the paper is systematization of thematic areas of lone-actor terrorism (LAT). Twenty areas have been identified, some of which are more pronounced in terms of content and function. The paper proposes the definition of LAT, and concludes: a) that the mapping of research fields of lone-actor terrorism has shown a very wide scope – often very productive, theoretically and methodologically established – as well as the constant expansion of thematic fields and newly formulated problems, b) that studies of LAT provide information, models and recommendations relevant to more effective counterterrorism (CT), and c) that geopolitical determinants, strategic interests that are refracted in international relations, as well as determinants that shape cultural and civilizational relations and trends in the modern world should be more strongly included in the research apparatus and the focus of LAT research.