Talking to Terrorists

Available for over a year

What are researchers learning about the prevalence of mental illness among convicted terrorists, and the role it might play in their actions? Raffaello Pantucci investigates a growing body of research, speaking to academics and security officers who have conducted research in the UK, Europe, the USA and Israel. He asks if the changing nature of terrorism in the West, from planned group attacks by the likes of Al Qaeda to isolated incidents often involving lone actors, is evidence that poor mental health is a growing factor in people's behaviour. Producer: Richard Fenton-Smith Sound: Graham Puddifoot Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Hugh Levinson