Terrorism is not new, and even though it has been
used since the beginning of recorded history it can be relatively hard to
define. Terrorism has been described variously as both a tactic and strategy; a
crime and a holy duty; a justified reaction to oppression and an in excusable
abomination. Obviously, a lot depends on whose point of view is being
represented. Terrorism has often been an effective tactic for the weaker side
in a conflict. As an asymmetric form of conflict, it confers coercive power
with many of the advantages of military force at a fraction of the cost. Due to
the secretive nature and small size of terrorist organizations, they often
offer opponents no clear organization to defend against or to deter. That is
why preemption is being considered to be so important. In some cases, terrorism
has been a means to carry on a conflict without the adversary realizing the
nature of the threat, mistaking terrorism for criminal activity. Because of
these characteristics, terrorism has become increasingly common among those
pursuing extreme goals throughout nebulous concept.
Types of terrorism
Civil disorder
A form of collective violence interfering with the
peace, security, and normal functioning of the community.
Political terrorism
Violent
criminal behavior designed primarily to generate fear in the community, or
substantial segment of it, for political purposes.
Non-Political terrorism
Terrorism that is not aimed at political purposes
but which exhibits “conscious design to create and maintain a high degree of
fear for coercive purposes, but the end is individual or collective gain rather
than the achievement of a political objective.”
Quasi-terrorism
The activities incidental to the commission of
crimes of violence that are similar in form and method to genuine terrorism but
which nevertheless lack its essential ingredient. It is not the main purpose of
the quasi-terrorists to induce terror in the immediate victim as in the case of
genuine terrorism, but the quasi-terrorist uses the modalities and techniques
of the genuine terrorist and produces similar consequences and reaction. For
example, the fleeing felon who takes hostages is a quasi-terrorist, whose
methods are similar to those of the genuine terrorist but whose purposes are
quite different.
Limited political terrorism
Genuine political terrorism is characterized
by a revolutionary approach; limited political terrorism refers to “acts of
terrorism which are committed for ideological or political motives but which
are not part of a concerted campaign to capture control of the state.
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