The So-Called ‘Lone Wolf’ Phenomenon

Abstract

Recent years have seen a rising number of terrorist attacks in Europe perpetrated by a single individual. This chapter looks at several case studies from different countries, backgrounds and times to find common elements of these cases that might help to detect patterns for early intervention to prevent attacks. The case studies focus on Germany, Canada, the USA, Norway, Russia and Algeria looking at the attacks, ideologies and available information on the identity of the offender. These disparate case studies will provide an overview about the ‘lone wolf’ phenomenon and present different ideological standpoints from recent studies to aid the understanding of ‘lone wolves’. The case studies look at the different types/methodologies of attacks ranging from the immediate damage of suicide attacks to long-lasting strategies of attrition. The findings are discussed and key factors for the work of law enforcement agencies are elaborated.