|
Cultism, Terrorism, and Homeland Security
Stephen Bruce Mutch, Ph.D., LL.B. (UNSW)
Abstract
There have been renewed efforts since 9/11 to improve the human intelligence
aspect of policing in response to terrorism. It is also now often observed that
there are striking similarities (and overlap) between terrorist groups and
cultic groups that are the focus of research conducted under the umbrella of the
International Cultic Studies Association, Inc. (formerly American Family
Foundation, Inc.). However, public policy makers have been slow to appreciate
the currently available resource and potential asset provided by the cult-watch
movement in general and by scholars who are prepared to undertake apostate
studies in particular. Cult-watch groups are generally unsupported by
government, and scholars brave enough to study leaver accounts often live a
hand-to-mouth existence, with negligible financial support from academe and
little moral support from their academic peers. This paper argues for a profound
change in this attitude and provides suggestions for a framework in which
academic groups (in particular, the ICSA), can make a significant contribution
to contemporary public policy.
Full text available through
ICSA E-Library. |
