About Book

In Foundations of Psychological Profiling, Richard Bloom applies psychological profiling techniques to the understanding of terrorism, espionage, and deception. The book explores how psychological methods can be used to analyze the behavior of individuals involved in terrorist activities or espionage. Bloom discusses how profiling can identify patterns in behavior, motivations, and actions, which can be used to predict and prevent criminal and terrorist acts. The text also examines the role of deception in these activities, shedding light on how psychological insights are crucial for counterterrorism and intelligence operations. Profiling is a hot topic today. The post-9/11 "War on Terrorism" has engendered political, ethical, and scientific controversy over its use. The proliferation of recent films, television programs, and books is a sociocultural indicator of widespread interest. Designed for a diverse audience—including law enforcement officers, intelligence and security officers, attorneys, and researchers—Foundations of Psychological Profiling: Terrorism, Espionage, and Deception presents scientific theory and data on the notion of profiles, integrating essential interdisciplinary knowledge related to the practice and applications of profiling that is rarely found in books on the subject. Current Era Relevance The book is highly relevant to current counterterrorism efforts, as psychological profiling has become a key tool for intelligence agencies and law enforcement in identifying and preventing terrorist threats. In an age where the psychological aspects of radicalization and extremism are increasingly recognized as important components of the problem, Bloom’s work provides insight into how understanding individual behavior and motivations can aid in the detection of terrorist activities. The discussion on deception also remains particularly pertinent in light of modern tactics used by extremist groups to recruit and conceal their intentions. xploring the related fields of historiography, hermeneutics, epistemology, and narratology, the book: Examines the definitions, history, and politics of profiling Explains how valid profiling can confront challenges such as the suitability of common scientific methods for the behavioral sciences Discusses how schematics allow profilers to best ask and answer the right questions when attempting to predict what might happen, identify what is or has already happened, and understand and influence any related events Describes various psychological events within, or exhibited by, profilers impacting the five desired endpoints of profiling Presents the theories, constructs, and illustrations related to two crucial tasks: (1) creating a representation of how events relate to each other and to events of interest, and (2) creating a narrative based on that matrix Demonstrates applications in profiling related to terrorism, espionage, and deception Rehabilitation Framework: The book offers insights into the psychological aspects of radicalization, which is essential for developing effective rehabilitation and reintegration programs for former extremists. By understanding the psychological patterns of terrorists, the book can contribute to creating more effective rehabilitative frameworks.