The Social Impact of Terrorism on Civilian Populations: Lessons Learned from Decades of Terrorism in Israel and Abroad

Abstract

Objective This article considers the sociopsychological implications of terrorism, which are sometimes neglected in preparedness plans. Methods Using Israeli experiences as a case study, this article briefly reviews four points of connection between terrorism and its psychological and social legacies: the sociopolitical aspects of terrorism, the unexpected nature of terrorism, normalization of terrorism and public resilience, and social aspects of medical care for terror‐related injuries. Results The Israeli experience suggests preparedness plans should include planning for the sociopsychological effects of terrorism on targeted populations and may, in certain contexts, use Israeli approaches as a model. Conclusions Experience gained in Israel and elsewhere can set the stage for an appropriate response plan striving not only for preparedness but also resilience. Efforts should be made to advance local capabilities, response plans, and resilience by drawing on the experience of others in coping with the terror threat.

“Expecting the Unexpected:” Nurses' Response and Preparedness of Terrorism-Related Disaster Events in Quetta City, Pakistan

“…Terrorism-related events are planned to instill fear among people, dislocate social function, and perturb the general wellbeing of societies (44). Manifestations of terrorism-related events at a societal level result in community dysfunction that further reshapes as indiscriminate insecurity hence rupturing of the social fabric (45).…”