THE PSYCHOLOGY OF TERRORISM

After the 9/11 attacks, Mack contributed to the four-volume study "The Psychology of Terrorism," applying his knowledge and experience in psychiatry and human behavior.

Those interested in terrorism, intelligence and psychological operations (PSYOP) might find this collection a very valuable piece of open source intelligence (OSINT) in our fight against global terrorism. Efforts at global public diplomacy might also benefit from the views and information contained in The Psychology of Terrorism.

Also contributing to this published work were many respected scholars, academics and clinicians from around the world. They joined together to contribute to this collection edited by Chris E. Stout. Stout was previously an advisor to the White House and representative to the United Nations.

The Psychology of Terrorism provides information, intelligence, knowledge and understanding for those working to develop effective ways to respond to terrorism.

The contributors, including Mack, explored a wide range of terror-related elements and factors including historic contexts, group dynamics, social, psychological, behavioral, forensic, psychopathological and evolutionary issues. Global viewpoints on bias, prejudice, racism and hate are also presented.

Additional topics covered: Comparing terrorists and cultists, beliefs about bioterrorism, state terrorism, countering international terrorism using perspectives from international psychology and on the role of resilience in terror's aftermath.

Among the contributors are current and past officers of the American Psychological Association, World Psychiatric Association, World Federation for Mental Health, Psychologists for Social Responsibility, American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, and the Middle East Psychological Network.

Authors include scholars from Harvard University, Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the Disaster Mental Health Institute, as well as National University of Colombia, Comprehensive Medical Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the Maagalim Institute of Psychotherapy and Counseling in Tel-Aviv.

Mack might want his passing to trigger new efforts at understanding the human mind and human condition.

That the Iraq war is continuing, with the many difficulties and casualties involved, would probably trouble him. But he might not be surprised about these outcomes. His writings and warnings early on in the Iraq war told us of the problems involved.

That terrorism continues to be a threat probably would not surprise him either. From his involvement in the international collaboration in The Psychology of Terrorism, he knew it was an extremely complex situation that would not be easily or quickly resolved.

And of UFO and abduction reports, he might wonder what this strange phenomena means. He might be curious about when and how more light will be shed on this mystery.

From his current desk, somewhere beyond our normal view, he might even be in a position himself to help bring more light to all these important issues facing the world today.