Robert Pape

Robert Pape is a political scientist known for his research on terrorism and military strategy. He studies why terrorists typically target civilians and how they choose their tactics, emphasizing that most attacks are driven by political objectives rather than religious motives alone. Pape's groundbreaking work highlights that terrorist acts often aim to influence governments through a strategy called "suicide terrorism," where attackers hope to persuade political leaders to change policies. His insights have influenced counter-terrorism approaches, emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying political issues and addressing grievances to reduce terrorism effectively.