Terrorism

Abstract

Terrorism is the use or threat of violence to communicate a political message. Its targets are symbolic and its methods dramatic. It is intended to shock. It is usually a tactic of oppositions but it can also be sponsored by states who wish to conceal their involvement. It serves multiple ideologies: revolutionary, anarchist, nationalist, right wing extremist, and even radical religious doctrines. Its tactics include bombings, armed assaults, assassinations, and hostage seizures (the last an innovation of the late 1960s). There is currently some fear that terrorism will escalate to the use of weapons of mass destruction. Since the late 1960s it has become increasingly internationalized, as terrorist groups sought foreign targets and venues. The study of terrorism is interdisciplinary and somewhat fragmented; there is no comprehensive unifying theory of terrorism. Terrorism is important because of its political consequences rather than its role in building theories of war and conflict. The concept is contentious and hard to define precisely. The causes of terrorism are multifaceted; conditions may generate discontent, but the dynamics of the interactions within small groups are more critical determinants. Terrorism is also instrumental or goal-oriented, and it depends on structures of opportunity. Its political effectiveness, however, appears limited.