Question

1. Why is the term terrorism difficult to define? Are the various definitions based on the evolution of terrorism?
2. What is the FBI’s definition of terrorism?
3. What is the U.S. Department of State’s definition of terrorism?
4. Discuss the differences between random terror and mass terror.

Answer 1

Terrorism is difficult to define because the word is subjective. Who might be a freedom fighter for one country will be a terrorist for the country he is fighting against. The act of terror when contextualised within the scope of a nation's security and only its citizens, becomes subjective and will mean different for different stakeholders.For this same reason in the United Nations it is preffered to say non-state military acts instead of terrorism. Another aspect to this is the fact that what constitutes an act of terror is poorly defined. Many countries have their own laws which dicatate the severity of a crime and which classify as terrorism or not all which may conflict another countries' legal framework on the same. This is why there is pressure on international relations when a 'terrorist' gets caught in a country different from his nationality. This being said, most terrorist activities can be based upon common consensus and this argument is to mainly to address the modern forms of terrorism prevelant across the world.

But in a historical context, the evolution of terrorism incepted from freedom fighting. There were many wars being fought in the ancient world and these violent forms of protest against colonolisation and federalism often took the shape of mass murders, forming cults, religions and a platform for morally wrong activities. To classify such activities which were increasing in number especially in the midst of the cold war ( like that of Al Qaeda and ISIS terror groups)  it was easier to bring in a internationally accepted nomencalture - 'terrorism'.

FBI defines terrorism as the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a Government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.

US Dept. of State 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, or ideological.

Mass terror is one which is committed by political leaders and targets the general population. The tactics used in this form of terrorism is coercion and other methods of organized and unorganized activities.

Example : Idi Amin's rule in Uganda

Random terror, however, means the acts of terrorism committed by individuals or group of individuals and the target can be anyone at the wrong time/place. This form of terror is most hateful as there is no specified intention of killing a specific person or group, Anyone can fall victims to this. The most common tactic used in this case is bombing in public places.

Example : Bombing of Panam Flight 103