Political psychology assumes that individuals are aspiring to fulfill a need at all times, and this influences behavior. As a result, most people are ill-equipped to make rational, logical political decisions because people are imperfect information processors (Cottam, Dietz-Uhler, Mastors & Preston, 2010). People make decisions most often on the basis of faulty perceptions when deciding “how to act” often not aware of “their own behavior” and often engage in actions that are contrary to their personal beliefs, values and personal interests (Cottam, Dietz-Uhler, Mastors & Preson, 2010, p. 2). People also engage in behavior as a means to an end, for the most part to achieve a political result (Houghton, 2009). Using this ideology, one may ask the question, “What drives the subordinates of terrorists?”
Some authors suggests that individuals are driven by self-interests. This may be the case for terrorists. Some may be driven by insanity. It has been stated that some are motivated by religious causes. There are individuals that are indeed treacherous, as suggested by the text, because of mental instability. These individuals may even be charismatic leaders, inspiring others to follow them to engage in activities that cause massive harm to others. What causes for example, bombers to fly into a building, causing their own life to end? Is it religious enthusiasm? In the case of political leaders including members of al Qaeda, who may spend years of their life in hiding, causing their members and followers to live a life that is uncertain, or one that may lead to certain death, what can inspire this person to follow someone that is wanted in so many countries for causing the deaths of so many civilians?
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"Political Psychology: An Analysis of Needs Based Drives".
Is it not unreasonable to assume that a logically thinking person may find this person unstable? This research proposal will investigate the psychology of political figures that spread widespread terror, in an attempt to uncover the power and prestige that these figures have, and the power they hold over their subordinates. In particular research will be undertaken to determine the source of their power, to uncover where this power derives. Research into the history of the leadership of the al Qaeda in particular will be examined, and similar cliques to determine if there are familial, religious, and other ties that lead others to the calling. Monetary links and the possibility of mental instability will be examined.
It will be of particular importance to examine the theory of political drive and self-importance or self-interest as mentioned in the text by Cottam, et al., (2010) who stated that treachery can occur when individuals act not in the best interests of others but solely for political gain, whether they are aware of this habit or not.
Also of interest will be determining whether such behaviors can be altered, or what measures can be undertaken to alter the minds or behaviors of subordinates that have been influenced by powerful political leaders that have engaged in behaviors that have led to the mass destruction of many lives in many countries.
Political psychology explores behaviors in terms of political means to an end. Human beings are believed to engage in behaviors, including mundane behaviors, as a way to meet a political need (Houghton, 2009). Many factors can influence the need to study political psychology in this respect. There is a growing rise in terrorism in recent years, and an increased interest in security. Better understanding the mind and psychology of terrorists may help researchers find new ways to combat terror. One must evaluate internal and external factors to fully understand the reasons for individual and group behaviors in any given situation (Houghton, 2009). If one is driven to extreme behaviors, there must be an underlying cause for such behaviors. One’s disposition, whether pleasant or unpleasant, is the result of influences, including situational influences, in an attempt to achieve an end. While this is more obvious in some situations, as is the case for the political party candidate, it may be less obvious for the individual, the working average citizen, and even the terrorist in some cases. In these cases however, there are still factors that influence behavior, and the individual is still seeking to fulfill needs that must be addressed. It is nonsensical to suggest that any one individual is pre-programmed to act in a certain manner. All individuals are driven to fulfill a certain need, and this need can largely be measured in terms of politics. One cannot assume that an individual attempting to fulfill a need can at any time act in a purely logical manner. The individual will always be working to resolve the complexity of his or her issues in the most efficient manner possible.
- Cottam, M.L., Dietz-Uhler, B., Mastors, E. & Preston, T. (2010). Introduction to Political Psychology, 2nd Ed. Psychology Press: New York, NY.
- Houghton, David Patrick. (2009). Political Psychology: Situations, Individuals, and Cases. Routledge: New York, NY.
- Zimbardo, P. Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil. Vol.
