The Role of Public Support for the Occurrence of Terrorism

Our research confirms that public opinion has an impact on the occurrence of terrorism. Specifically, we find that the opinion in one country on the performance of the leader of a foreign power has an impact on the occurrence of terrorism originating from the former country and directed against the foreign power. We also find that it is important for the same group of people in a country to both justify terrorism and hold unfavourable attitudes towards a potential target. Finally, our research points to the importance of strengthening democracy and civil rights in the societies from which terrorism originates