Socio-economic Disparity and Lone Wolf Terrorism in the United States of America and Europe: Implications for Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated how socioeconomic disparity fuels grievances exploited by lonewolf terrorists. Lonewolf terrorism in the United States of America and Europe has been found to be fuelled by socio-economic factors. How this may contribute to the susceptibility of the Nigerian state was the major concern of this study, which adopted a qualitative historical research design in its investigation. Frustration-aggression theory served as a framework for analysis. The study found that socioeconomic exclusion is a key factor that fuels lone wolf terrorism in the United States and Europe. It was also found out that Nigeria’s political and economic landscape creates a breeding ground for lone wolf terrorism through economic marginalisation, high unemployment, and a stark gap between aspirations and reality, which has left a majority of Nigerians, especially her youths, frustrated and filled with resentment. The study therefore recommended, among other things, that combating corruption, promoting transparency, and prioritising the well-being of citizens can assist in eliminating lone wolf terrorism in the country.