The Gen Y Terrorist

The generation gap between Gen X (Born 1960 to 1979) and Gen Y (Born 1980 to 2000) is well documented. The differences between the two generations is evident in the work place, in society and within family units. This difference is also evident as Gen Y’ers become the next generation of terrorists, their target selection, modus operandi and accessibility has changed the face of terrorism, and in turn changed the threat to businesses from terrorism. The face of terrorism is evolving and the impact to businesses is changing too. Many businesses in LOW risk jurisdictions have never faced a real threat from terrorism, until now. The evolution of terrorism since 9/11 has been significant, and the threat to today’s businesses doesn't come from traditional al ’Qaeda cells but from something far more dangerous – The Gen Y Terrorist. The characteristic differences between Gen X and Gen Y can be seen through many aspects of society, and these differences in characteristics are manifesting themselves in the changing threat from terrorism too.

Characteristics of The Gen Y Terrorist And The Impact to Business

Increased Computer Literacy

Unlike previous terrorism campaigns, Gen Y Terrorists are extremely computer literate. It is estimated that more than 90% of terrorist communications occur through social media. Social media provides a platform to push propaganda, training material, ideologies and information to all corners of the world. No longer is terrorism confined to the Middle East, it is now available to anyone in the world with access to the internet.

Business Impact Previously terrorism was confined to several HIGH risk countries and large-symbolic cities. Today, terrorism can be anywhere. Businesses need to reassess their terrorism plans as there are few places exempt from this evolving threat. While attacks by Gen Y terrorists are likely to be small-scale and unsophisticated, they could occur anywhere. Businesses should reassess their global terrorism risk ratings and ensure all locations have adequate terrorism response plans and security mitigations in place.

Instant Gratification

Gen Y’ers are renowned for their desire for instant gratification, including with jobs, education and social activities. This characteristic has changed the threat from terrorism, as attacks will likely be planned and conducted in a relatively short period of time. Due to this, attacks are more likely to be small-scale and crude in nature. Business Impact The Gen Y Terrorist’s desire for instant gratification reduces the threat from large-scale terrorist attacks as seen in previous decades. These attacks were generally well coordinated, extensively planned and grand in nature, however The Gen Y Terrorist is more likely to aim for a much smaller scale attack that requires minimal training and planning. This means that businesses need to be prepared for small attacks, such as active shooter scenarios and small IEDs and less focused on preparing for large scale attacks.

Change in Concept of Authority

Previously, terrorist organisations such as al ’Qaeda had hierarchical structures, and while we have seen the demise of this structured approach over the past 15 years, the Gen Y Terrorist attitude to authority will likely further push the hierarchical structure into an unordered or community structure. Business Impact Businesses with a presence outside major town centers should re-evaluate the terrorism risk to those assets, especially for assets in the vicinity of symbolic targets. Prior to the evolution of the Gen Y Terrorist, businesses have discarded a threat from terrorism to assets outside of HIGH risk locations and large cities. However, The Gen Y Terrorist is just as likely to select a target close to home. Location should no longer be the driving characteristic for terrorism threat assessments.

Attention Craving

Gen Y’ers are often characterized as being attention seeking. This characteristic manifests into the increased terrorism threat due to the sensationalisation of terrorist activity and the notoriety and fame terrorists receive. Events that are associated with terrorism receive unprecedented amounts of media and social media attention making the act of performing terrorism appealing for The Gen Y terrorist. Business Impact Due to the attention that The Gen Y Terrorist desires, the threat from - not only radicalised youths but also lone wolf Gen Y’ers -has increased. As these individuals desire limelight, their target selection and modus operandi have shifted from previous generations. Targets may still be symbolic and high profile, but will also be recognisable to the majority, in view of the cameras and easily accessible by the media. While traditional targets such as Western Hotels, embassies and tourist hotspots remain on The Gen Y terrorist’s target list, new targets such as TV stations, malls and entertainment complexes will also offer the same level of visibility. No longer do terrorists need to cause mass casualties, but instead need to select a visible and symbolic target to gain high levels of media attention.

Desire to Belong

Gen Y’ers have a tendency to desire to belong to a group or a social team. Unlike the generations before, Gen Y’ers are programmed by society to look for a purpose beyond career and family. This desire to be part of something bigger has increased the Gen Y’er’s susceptibility to be radicalised by terrorist organisations.

Australian teen Abdullah Elmi - A Gen Y Terrorist

The Business Impact The increased number of Gen Y’ers who are susceptible to being radicalised through the internet increases the likelihood of an attack as terrorist organisations have a much larger pool of candidates. The use of social media to push information to Gen Y’ers also means terrorist organisations do not need to hand select individuals and invest in training and programming for them. The Gen Y’ers find the information themselves and direct their own actions.

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