June 12, 2026
Terrorism and Madness

In general, an attack is described as terrorist when it is carried out by an organization, whereas we are more likely to think in terms of madness when it is committed by an individual. If a person shoots at politicians because they believe the political system is unjust, we tend to regard them as mentally disturbed; but if the Red Brigades kidnap Aldo Moro and kill him, we think of terrorism or, according to some viewpoints, of an incipient revolution.

It is true, however, that there are lone-wolf terrorists. Even so, it seems difficult to regard such individuals as psychologically well-balanced.