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International Terrorism
International Terrorism
International Terrorism
TERRORISM
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND
WHAT IS TERRORISM?
• A form of political violence that aims to achieve its objectives through
creating a climate of fear, apprehension and un-certainity.
• Historically, the term “terrorism” described State violence against
citizens during the French Revolution and the “Reign of terror”, 1793-
94 under the leadership of Robespierre.
• However, of late “terrorism” has come to mean the use of violence by
small minority aiming to achieve political change by means of terror.
• Terrorists do surprise and indiscriminate attacks on civilians, symbols
of power and political leaders.
• Common forms of terrorist action-
• Assassinations
• Bombings
• Hostage seizures,
• Plane hijacks
• Suicide killing
• Indiscriminate firing etc
Terrorism Features
• Tends to be used as a political weapons, implying that the group or
action to which it is attached is immoral or illegitimate.
• Terrorism is a “hearts and minds” issue.
• Terrorists for one may be “Martyr” or “Revolutionary” for others
• As “weapon of the weak” similar to a guerrilla warfare-hidden bases,
sudden sporadic attacks, supported by propaganda.
• Historically national/sub-national phenomenon which became
transnational and now Global in the age of globalization.
• Terrorist groups that are covert (hidden) and often operate in
small, loosely- organized cells.
• While terrorism is often portrayed as action by non-state
actors against State governments/States may also employ
terror against their own or other people called “State
Terrorism” and “State sponsored terrorism.”
CAUSES OF TERRORISM