Disrupting the continuum: Rethinking terrorism through the disturbance of societal norms

• In Event: EXTREME Panel 2. Extremism in a changing landscape

Abstract

Traditional terrorism studies emphasise explicit political or religious motives, yet contemporary violent acts increasingly resist such classifications. Events like the Southport attack in the UK seemed to challenge conventional frameworks. While these acts may lack explicit political/religious demands, they still share a disruptive intent: to destabilise society through spectacle and violence, provoking terror to command public attention.

This paper argues that terrorism should not be strictly interpreted by political/religious motivations but understood as an intent to disrupt the evolving continuum of societal norms. Public acts of large-scale violence are reactionary disruptions of social order, driven by a fixation on mass spectacle and fear, best understood as evolving forms of terrorism rather than distinct phenomena. We argue for a broader view of “ideology”, recognising that modern violent acts follow implicit ideologies that reject societal norms without offering clear political manifestos and alternatives.

To support this reframing, we employ a normative approach grounded in Strain and Anomie theory, alongside concepts of social order and norms. These frameworks illustrate how modern violent acts operate as reactive disruptions against societal structures, particularly in response to social dislocation and perceived loss of meaning and agency. Using a case study methodology, we examine three categories: (1) traditional terrorism with clear ideological foundations (e.g., 9/11), (2) hybrid cases where ideological and disruptive elements blur (e.g., incel violence), and (3) purely disruptive violence (e.g., Nashville bombing). This classification highlights the evolving nature of violent extremism and the need for conceptual reassessment. Simultaneously, we acknowledge and address concerns about legal and policy overreach, and emphasise the importance of clear boundaries. A clearer definition of terrorism should avoid conflating it with extremist beliefs alone. By rethinking rigid classifications, this paper offers a more precise framework for understanding contemporary violent extremism.

Keywords: Terrorism, societal norms, disruption, ideological violence, strain theory, anomie.

Authors

• Sofia Sideridou, Verian Group

• Iliana Moridou, RJ4All Europe