Impact of jihadist terrorism in the United States and Western Europe: a comparative analysis

Abstract

This article provides a descriptive comparative study on jihadist terrorism in United States and Western Europe on a sample of 114 incidents between 11 September 2001 and December 2013. At the same time, the article inquires about the decreasing lethality of terrorist actions in Europe and U.S. territory since the London bombings in July 2005. This is explained by the U.S and EU counter-terrorist response and the change in the political agenda of some terrorist groups. At the same time, another key factor, which acts as an intervening variable, is the strength or weakness of large terror organizations that articulate part of the jihadist membership in the United States and Western Europe.

Keywords

• violencia política
• terrorismo
• radicalismo islamista
• Estados Unidos
• Europa Occidental