Apocalyptic Faith And Political Violence

This study examines the functional relationship between millenarian-inspired terrorism and the process of political change. Through an exhaustive investigation of late twentieth-century movements--Aum Shinrikyo, Sendero Luminoso, and Hezbollah--it concludes that in each case, apocalyptic expectations performed a significant group mobilization, leadership and therapeutic function.

This study examines the functional relationship between millenarian-inspired terrorism and the process of political change. Through an exhaustive investigation of late Twentieth-century movements, Aum Shinrikyo, Sendero Luminoso and Hezbollah, it concludes that in each case, apocalyptic expectations performed a significant group mobilization, leadership and therapeutic function.

Review: James Rinehart's important and original analysis of three terrorist movements--Sendero Luminoso, Aum Shinrikyo, and Hezbollah--demonstrate their profound links to deeply embedded currents of millenarian religion and culture. This is a work of rich scholarship that will challenge and stimulate students of terrorism and political violence. --Michael Barkun, Professor of Political Science, the Maxwell School at Syracuse University