Terrorism

Guide Note

Generally, Terrorism refers to acts of violence that deliberately target or threaten non-combatants and are motivated by some ideological goal and the desire to create fear. The term is emotionally and politically charged and, because of this, an exact, universal, definition is difficult to determine. The involvement of non-military combatants and targets in global conflict has raised issues pertaining to the application of laws of war. In response, some have argued that a distinction should be made between acts of terrorism, meaning the criminal acts themselves, and terrorism, which would refer to the phenomena, motives and perpetrators. Regardless of the definition, there is an consensus among national governments and international organizations that acts of terrorism should not be accepted. Due to the disturbing nature of this topic, this page should be considered mature content.

Fast Facts

1. The term was first used during the French Revolution
2. 1988 study by the United States found more than 100 working definitions
3. Typically a pejorative term used to condemn acts or agents of violence
4. State-sponsors of terrorism are nations that harbor or fund a terrorist organization
5. The United States launched the War on Terror on October 7, 2001