Terrorism
Terrorismis the use offearandviolenceforpolitical,religiousorideologicalreasons. Many different types ofsocialorpoliticalorganizations might use terrorism to try to achieve their goals. People who carry out terrorism are calledterrorists.The foundation of modern terrorism is the work ofSergey Nechayev,aRussianradicalwho developed strategies for carrying out terrorism, which also includespolitics.
It is difficult to explain terrorism. Terrorism has no officialcriminal lawdefinition at theinternational level.Common definitions of terrorism refer to violent acts which are intended to createfear(terror). The acts may be done for areligious,political,orideologicalmotiveand use illegal violence.[1][2]Some definitions now include acts of unlawful violence andwar crimes.The use of similar tactics by criminalgangsis not usually called terrorism. The same actions may be called terrorism when they are done by a politically-motivated group.
There are over 10000 definitions of "terrorism". In some cases, the same group may be described as "freedom fighters"by its supporters and" terrorists "by its opponents. The term is often used bystatesto criticize political opponents.
One form of terrorism is the use of violence against noncombatants for the purpose of gaining publicity for a group, cause, or individual.[3][4]
According to Memorial Institute for Prevention of Terrorism, terrorists killed 20,498 people in 2006. The major effect of terrorism comes from the fear that is generated.
Counter-terrorism[change|change source]
Counter-terrorismis broad in scope. Specific types of counter-terrorism include:
- Preemptiveor reactivemilitaryaction.
- Fortificationand other technical means.
- Increasedintelligenceand surveillance activities. Often facilitated and rubber stamped withlegislationlike theUnited StatesPatriot Act.
- Preemptivehumanitarianactivities.
- More permissive interrogation anddetentionpolicies for the suspected terrorists.
Context[change|change source]
The more modern governments restrict weapons to their military, the more ordinary people are helpless against terrorists.
The Global Terrorism Database (University of Maryland, College Park) has recorded more than 61,000 incidents of non-state terrorism. These caused at least 140,000 deaths between 2000 and 2014.[5]
Sources[change|change source]
- Zero: the story of terrorism.Payne, Robert. 1941.
- Revolutionary war in world strategy 1945..Sir Robert Thompson 1970. London. SBN 430 52051 6
- Low intensity operations.Kitson, Frank. Faber, London. 1971. ISBN 0 571 0901 0
- Greig, Ian. 1973Subversion: propaganda, agitation and the spread of people's war.Stacey, London. IBSN 0 85468 495 6.
Related pages[change|change source]
References[change|change source]
- ↑"Terrorism".Encyclopædia Britannica. p. 3.Retrieved2006-08-11.
- ↑Ruby, Charles L. (2002)."The Definition of Terrorism"(PDF).Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 2011-07-25.Retrieved2010-02-22.
- ↑Pentagon attack
- ↑"Flight 77, Video 2".Judicial Watch. Archived fromthe originalon 2009-02-12.Retrieved2010-05-31.
- ↑"Global Terrorism Index 2015" (PDF). Institute for Economics and Peace. p33. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 7, 2019. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
