...Fighting terrorism is like being a goalkeeper. You can make a hundred brilliant saves but the only shot that people remember is the one that gets past you .” Now I like this statement because I think it describes terrorism short and accurate. In this essay I would like to talk about some different definitions of terrorism. And also give some examples of terrorism. Terrorism is an act performed with the intension of creating fear or sorrow. Terrorism is mostly intercontinental. Terrorism is mostly described as “Tactic and strategy” By the land it happened to or “A crime and a holy duty” By the terrorists themselves. Obviously it depends on who is looking at it, the terrorists themselves probably think of it as a holy act and most of them believe they will go to heaven and get 72 virgins. From the perspective of the terrorized country, however their thoughts will obviously be different. There is really no way to prepare for a terrorist attack, because it can happen at all times. Just like the attack on WTC on 11/09/2001. I do not think anyone was prepared for that. Most terrorist organizations are small, and they are most likely to just do the terror and never warn the victims. The United States Department of Defense defines terrorism as “the calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, ideological .” Within...
Words: 324 - Pages: 2
...Given the growing global threats of terrorism, it is significant that an understanding of the history, nature and mechanism-premises under which terror operates is obtained. This is significant as it would shape the perspective of policy makers when addressing issues of this nature. Terrorism, as it is understood is the action of none-state weak actors, individual or groups, who for some reasons feels suppressed, marginalized and, or denied what they may view as the basic human right. All terrorism has political objectives, even though the perpetrators may use religious relics to appeal to a wider existing audience, and invoke a response through violent act to prove or propagate their point. Yoram Schweitzer in "Suicide Terrorism Development &ump; Characteristics," Mark Sedgwick in "Al-Qaeda and the "Nature of Religious Terrorism," and Dr. James Armstrong, all demonstrates that suicide terror attacks are politically motivated even though the perpetrator may use religious symbolism to justifies their acts. Observing areas in the world where terrorism is frequent, especially in the Middle East, it can be argued that groups that engaged in terrorists' activities are those that feel suppressed and taken advantage of by a much greater power. Thus, terrorism, particularly suicide terror is prevalent in areas where systems of gross injustice seem to exist. Therefore, the actual use of terrorism by non-state actors is a tactic aimed at polarizing the population in their favor...
Words: 1774 - Pages: 8
...Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence by a person or group. The goal is to intimidate or coerce societies or governments in an effort to promote political or ideological beliefs. These attacks can take many forms, and could happen at any time in any place. Terrorists typically exploit weaknesses, and may use technology, hazardous materials, biological agents or other methods to create devastating disruptions to the community. Terrorism thrives on fear. By planning how to respond to a terrorist attack, you can greatly improve your chances of survival. You can also lessen the impact of the attack by reducing the fear in the aftermath. Community Involvement As Chief of River City, my first priority would be to protect the citizens of River City. Attacks can be expected to provide maximum negative effect on the following levels: emotional, food, water, health, financial, infrastructure, leadership and the very function of society. Because it is impossible to know in advance which of these areas will be impacted most heavily in the event of a terrorist event, the best course of action is to make individual preparation in the areas where you are able to do so. For example, a supply of food that is easily stored means you aren't dependent upon stores that may or may not be available at the local supermarket. The same thing is true of a water supply. The citizens would be encouraged to stock up on bottled water. The Supply of bottled water could be crucial in the event...
Words: 1351 - Pages: 6
...What is Terrorism? By: James Morris Terrorism Terrorism is political phenomenon by which offenders threaten or use violence on civilians with the intent of exploiting fear. It can be defined as substitute classification of political violence. A quote by Sloan (2006) states “Terrorism is intentional violent acts carried out by nonstate actors against noncombatants with the purpose of effecting a political response.” In our society, the term terrorism is a method or strategy to effect political change in an area. Terrorism can be seen as crime, exploitation of fear, and a form of warfare (Lutz, 2005). Since the 1700’s, history has always kept record of the different types of violence our world has faced. And with terrorism it comes with consequences. (Sloan, 2006). A quote by Moghaddam & Marsella (2004) says “It is usually perpetrated by groups utilizing warfare, due to the fact that they are unable to gain advantage while using conventional methods.” Terrorism as Crime The relationship between the terrorism and crime are both equally considered as wrong doing. Traditionally, within the legal system of the United States, domestic terrorism is treated as a criminal act (Bender & Leone, 1986). It is directed toward civilians for the purpose of inducing fear, dread, and terror. Lutz states (2005) “The focus would be on collection of evidence that would be used in court to prosecute those accused of threats or acts of terrorism.” In a sense, all terrorism can be...
Words: 1340 - Pages: 6
...getting involved in fights • Inability to tolerate boredom • Disregard for right and wrong • Poor or abusive relationships • Irresponsible work behavior • Disregard for safety Background of World Anti-Terrorism Day: Terrorist activities have increased multi-fold over the last decade. A global initiative uniting all nations is required to combat terrorism. After the 9/11 terrorist attack on the U.S, terrorism has become the primary cause of concern for nations. History of World Anti-Terrorism Day: The concept of World Anti-Terrorism Day was initiated because thousands of youth are lured into the folds of terrorist camps and organizations each year. May 21 is observed as Anti-terrorism day every year. Purpose of World Anti-Terrorism Day: The Purpose of observing World Anti-Terrorism Day is to: Spread the message of global peace and non-violence. Deter vulnerable youth from following cult practices and being misguided. Commemorate and honor the sacrifices made by thousands of soldiers who battled against terrorism. Pay homage to the victims who lost their lives in terrorist attacks. Device ways and hold awareness programs to protect the future generations from radical influence. Important Features of World Anti-Terrorism Day: Features on...
Words: 2861 - Pages: 12
...in "The Devils," a novel portraying the multifarious political climate of 19th century Russia. This often-overlooked period, which presaged the Communist Revolution, saw Russia experiencing unprecedented levels of terrorism by an assortment of groups such as anarchists, nihilists, populists and socialists. The discussion of this tumultuous and critical period is among the most engaging passages in "The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to Al Qaeda," edited by Gérard Chaliand and Arnaud Blin. The book, which includes essays by the editors as well as other scholars, provides a useful and levelheaded survey of a subject that is regularly understood and often manipulated. The very term "terrorism" is complex and takes on widely varying meanings depending on one's viewpoint. Accordingly, the book begins with a rigorous chapter by political scientist Ariel Merari that provides both a typology of terrorist acts and thoughtful insights on what distinguishes terrorism from other forms of violence. Although many definitions of terrorism exist, Merari discerns three common elements in these definitions: "(1) the use of violence; (2) political objectives; and (3) the intention of sowing fear in a target population." These common elements recur in the book's survey of terrorism, which begins with the ancient Jewish sect known as the Zealots, who rebelled against the Roman Empire, and an extremist Muslim group called the Assassins, who terrorized European crusaders. Chaliand and Blin make...
Words: 844 - Pages: 4
...James Janosz Political Science 495 Terrorism December 14th, 2009 The Changing Look of Terrorism The purpose of this paper is to study and look at how terrorism has changed from pre 9/11, to post 9/11, to the current and future times. The United States is currently fighting the war on terror. But who is the enemy to the war? Can terrorism actually be considered an enemy? The answers to these questions are difficult to answer and defend, depending on the circumstances. But the key constant to the question is, there is no internationally agreed definition of terrorism. Common definitions of terrorism refer only to those violent acts which are intended to create fear/terror, are perpetrated for an ideological/political goal, and deliberately target or disregard the safety of civilian targets. The first section of this paper will deal with both views of the changing face of terrorism from pre 9/11, to post 9/11, and to the present day. The next section of this paper will discuss the variables of why terrorism has changed. In conclusion this paper will summarize the study of the changing face in terrorism. Throughout this paper there will be historical facts, evidence, theories, and analysis to support my argument how terrorism has changed over time. The language of terrorism that we, as Americans read it as, on September 11, 2001, two American airplanes flew into the World Trade Center and another into the Pentagon, while yet another suspiciously crashed in a deserted Pennsylvania...
Words: 3370 - Pages: 14
...If you ask anyone in America what do you think of Pakistanis? Without any hesitation they would say "Pakistanis are terrorists". This is the stereotype which has developed over the recent years and it would be wrong to say that such a stereotype is wrongly associated with the country. The biggest problem facing Pakistan is terrorism which has spoiled the country's reputation in the entire world and it would require excessive amounts of effort on behalf of the country to improve its image in the global arena. Terrorism in Pakistan is majorly associated with religious extremism and its incidence has increased since the events of 9/11. Taliban was behind the attacks of 9/11 and its roots extended to Pakistan. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan is another terrorist group which has been associated with terrorist attacks in the country and is directly linked to Osama bin Laden's Terrorist organization. Taliban's fight was not initially against Pakistan but after 9/11 when former President Pervez Musharraf agreed to form an ally with the U.S against "War on Terror" there was great rage in the Taliban outfit who decided then to launch terrorist attacks in the country in retaliation. Although Pakistan is part of the US alliance they are often accused by US for being a terrorist country which has challenged Pakistan's sovereignty. This has also resulted in internal conflicts in the country with many people raising their voices against the government and demanding Pakistan to leave the US alliance...
Words: 532 - Pages: 3
...Why has it been so difficult to define the concept of "terrorism?" 1 Why has it been so difficult to define the concept of "terrorism?" 2 Arriving at a consensual definition of terrorism has been particularly difficult. Although it is not a new phenomenon, finding a universally accepted definition that fits every terrorist event has not been achieved with any measure of success.1(Spindlove & Simonsen, 2010) Terrorism is an ideological and political concept.2 (Mahan & Griset, 2007) Some concepts and definitions are either too specific or too vague. The difficulty in assigning a truly comprehensive definition to terrorism lies in the fact that, not only is it challenging to be specific when motives, targets and methods differ so broadly from case-to-case, but the complexity of untangling the overlaps within each of these categories makes the task virtually impossible. In assessing the different perceptions, concepts and definitions of terrorism, it appears that the most disparity lies within the description of terrorist motivations. It is vital to be comprehensive in the categorization of motivations because the methods and targets selected by terrorists are often reflected by their purpose. This paper will examine contrasting perceptions regarding an event some call terrorism. Its nearly three years after the Nov. 5, 2009, shooting rampage in Fort Hood, Texas, an event some call "terrorism". Major Nidal Hasan, American-born an Muslim, currently faces the death penalty if convicted...
Words: 502 - Pages: 3
...How has terrorism been redefined since 9/11? There is neither an academic nor an international legal consensus regarding the proper definition of the word "terrorism" however overtime some thinkers have tried to distinguish between ‘old’ and ‘new’ terrorism. This is the basis for the re-think over the term ‘terrorism’. Terrorism has changed significantly since the 1960’s. The rise of religious fundamentalism, the end of the Cold War, the new global banking network and the telecommunications revolution has all changed the motives and techniques of terrorism. Until the 1980’s, terrorism was not seen, as a significant threat to national security, but it was the large nation states such as Russia and china that were seen as the major players in international politics. During the 1990’s, there were signs of development within the terrorists actions and methodology due to the fact that not only were targets becoming more substantial and more noticeable, there techniques were becoming more and more radical. However, it was not until September 11th 2001 that the world finally realized the new threat that terrorists posed. The threat that is posed is not from nation states, but individuals within that state who feel their interests have been ignored. An example that this is true for is not only for Islamic fundamentalists but also for Timothy McVeigh, who was responsible for a truck bomb that killed 168 people in Oklahoma City in 1995. This was an act of terrorism in that he inflicted...
Words: 1080 - Pages: 5
...cultural expectations because they don't have access to culturally accepted methods achieving those objectives, so they switch to acts of terrorism. Any group that employs terrorist activities has very problematic and compelling motives to participate in those activities. Psychological motivation for violence originates from terrorists' personal disappointment with life and achievements. This particular motivation is discovered to develop into a "believe system" from the terrorist. The individual fails to think about the measures taken to achieve the wrong agenda and may be inclined to project antisocial behaviors onto others, producing a polarized "us versus them" mindset. A significant problem in discussing terrorism is implementing a commonly recognized definition. Terrorism can be defined as the unlawful utilization of fear or force to accomplish particular political, financial, or cultural objectives. Since it is so laborious to define, institutions such as the United Nations have experienced great a difficult time creating procedures in opposition of terrorism. Religious doctrines are essentially unique because of ethnic and cultural identities it encompasses principles profoundly held. A threat to an individual's religion places not only the present in danger, but likewise, a person's cultural past along with the future. Terrorism in the name of religion is often violent as a result of individuals who are religiously passionate about their acts with moral conviction...
Words: 254 - Pages: 2
...cultural expectations because they don't have access to culturally accepted methods achieving those objectives, so they switch to acts of terrorism. Any group that employs terrorist activities has very problematic and compelling motives to participate in those activities. Psychological motivation for violence originates from terrorists' personal disappointment with life and achievements. This particular motivation is discovered to develop into a "believe system" from the terrorist. The individual fails to think about the measures taken to achieve the wrong agenda and may be inclined to project antisocial behaviors onto others, producing a polarized "us versus them" mindset. A significant problem in discussing terrorism is implementing a commonly recognized definition. Terrorism can be defined as the unlawful utilization of fear or force to accomplish particular political, financial, or cultural objectives. Since it is so laborious to define, institutions such as the United Nations have experienced great a difficult time creating procedures in opposition of terrorism. Religious doctrines are essentially unique because of ethnic and cultural identities it encompasses principles profoundly held. A threat to an individual's religion places not only the present in danger, but likewise, a person's cultural past along with the future. Terrorism in the name of religion is often violent as a result of individuals who are religiously passionate about their acts with moral conviction...
Words: 254 - Pages: 2
...cultural expectations because they don't have access to culturally accepted methods achieving those objectives, so they switch to acts of terrorism. Any group that employs terrorist activities has very problematic and compelling motives to participate in those activities. Psychological motivation for violence originates from terrorists' personal disappointment with life and achievements. This particular motivation is discovered to develop into a "believe system" from the terrorist. The individual fails to think about the measures taken to achieve the wrong agenda and may be inclined to project antisocial behaviors onto others, producing a polarized "us versus them" mindset. A significant problem in discussing terrorism is implementing a commonly recognized definition. Terrorism can be defined as the unlawful utilization of fear or force to accomplish particular political, financial, or cultural objectives. Since it is so laborious to define, institutions such as the United Nations have experienced great a difficult time creating procedures in opposition of terrorism. Religious doctrines are essentially unique because of ethnic and cultural identities it encompasses principles profoundly held. A threat to an individual's religion places not only the present in danger, but likewise, a person's cultural past along with the future. Terrorism in the name of religion is often violent as a result of individuals who are religiously passionate about their acts with moral conviction...
Words: 254 - Pages: 2
...Week 5 Case Analysis SEC/460 December 4, 2011 Terrorism either international or domestic is an act to gain attention for a cause and to get a point across at the expense of innocent people. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (2011) proclaims that “Throughout its more than 100-year history, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has protected the American people from threats to our way of life. As some of our greatest threats—gangsters, public corruption, hate crimes, cyber attacks, white-collar fraud, and terrorism—have evolved, the FBI has changed to meet them head-on” (FBI, 2011, p. 1). Terrorism of the past has occurred in third world countries and not until recently have the terrorist come home to roost right here in America. Terrorism has become an international and domestic problem that has taken the lives of innocent people, destroyed property, and assets and an alarming rate. The media is a tool the terrorist use to publicize, their intentions, motivations, and philosophy whether it be religious, political, or ideological. This assignment requires the assessment and case analysis of a domestic or international terrorist event. The event for the purposes of this paper is a bomb explosion outside the courthouse in the city of New Delhi, India. The Associated Press (2011) reported the event as “A bomb apparently hidden in a briefcase exploded Wednesday as people lined up outside a top court in New Delhi, killing 10 people and wounding scores more in the...
Words: 1161 - Pages: 5
...Instructions for authors, permissions and subscription information: E-mail: bilgi@uidergisi.com Web: www.uidergisi.com Is Terrorism Still a Democratic Phenomenon? Erica CHENOWETH Assist. Prof. Dr., The University of Denver, The Josef Korbel School of International Studies To cite this article: Chenoweth, Erica, “Is Terrorism Still a Democratic Phenomenon?", Uluslararası İlişkiler, Volume 8, No 32 (Winter 2012), p. 85-99. Copyright @ International Relations Council of Turkey (UİK-IRCT). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or disseminated, in any form, or by any means, without prior written permission from UİK, to whom all requests to reproduce copyright material should be directed, in writing. References for academic and media coverages are boyond this rule. Statements and opinions expressed in Uluslararası İlişkiler are the responsibility of the authors alone unless otherwise stated and do not imply the endorsement by the other authors, the Editors and the Editorial Board as well as the International Relations Council of Turkey. Uluslararası İlişkiler Konseyi Derneği | Uluslararası İlişkiler Dergisi Web: www.uidergisi.com | E- Mail: bilgi@uidergisi.com Is Terrorism Still a Democratic Phenomenon? Erica CHENOWETH* ABSTRACT In recent years, multiple studies have confirmed that terrorism occurs in democracies more often than in nondemocratic regimes. There are five primary groups of explanations for this phenomenon...
Words: 6756 - Pages: 28
