What is Terrorism?
What is Terrorism?
By:
James Morris
Terrorism Terrorism is political phenomenon by which offenders threaten or use violence on civilians with the intent of exploiting fear. It can be defined as substitute classification of political violence. A quote by Sloan (2006) states “Terrorism is intentional violent acts carried out by nonstate actors against noncombatants with the purpose of effecting a political response.” In our society, the term terrorism is a method or strategy to effect political change in an area. Terrorism can be seen as crime, exploitation of fear, and a form of warfare (Lutz, 2005). Since the 1700’s, history has always kept record of the different types of violence our world has faced. And with terrorism it comes with consequences. (Sloan, 2006). A quote by Moghaddam & Marsella (2004) says “It is usually perpetrated by groups utilizing warfare, due to the fact that they are unable to gain advantage while using conventional methods.”
Terrorism as Crime The relationship between the terrorism and crime are both equally considered as wrong doing. Traditionally, within the legal system of the United States, domestic terrorism is treated as a criminal act (Bender & Leone, 1986). It is directed toward civilians for the purpose of inducing fear, dread, and terror. Lutz states (2005) “The focus would be on collection of evidence that would be used in court to prosecute those accused of threats or acts of terrorism.” In a sense, all terrorism can be described as the thought to ordinary crimes of violence such as murder, theft, kidnapping, and extortion. A quote from Lindsay & Lowther (2009) states “The seamless nature of terrorism is creating other challenges in regard to the role of intelligence. Any person or group willing to commit a crime to back up it’s political position can be terroristic. This includes governments as well as guerillas (Sloan, 2006). A quote by Moghaddam & Marsella (2004) says “It’s all about an act of
By:
James Morris
Terrorism Terrorism is political phenomenon by which offenders threaten or use violence on civilians with the intent of exploiting fear. It can be defined as substitute classification of political violence. A quote by Sloan (2006) states “Terrorism is intentional violent acts carried out by nonstate actors against noncombatants with the purpose of effecting a political response.” In our society, the term terrorism is a method or strategy to effect political change in an area. Terrorism can be seen as crime, exploitation of fear, and a form of warfare (Lutz, 2005). Since the 1700’s, history has always kept record of the different types of violence our world has faced. And with terrorism it comes with consequences. (Sloan, 2006). A quote by Moghaddam & Marsella (2004) says “It is usually perpetrated by groups utilizing warfare, due to the fact that they are unable to gain advantage while using conventional methods.”
Terrorism as Crime The relationship between the terrorism and crime are both equally considered as wrong doing. Traditionally, within the legal system of the United States, domestic terrorism is treated as a criminal act (Bender & Leone, 1986). It is directed toward civilians for the purpose of inducing fear, dread, and terror. Lutz states (2005) “The focus would be on collection of evidence that would be used in court to prosecute those accused of threats or acts of terrorism.” In a sense, all terrorism can be described as the thought to ordinary crimes of violence such as murder, theft, kidnapping, and extortion. A quote from Lindsay & Lowther (2009) states “The seamless nature of terrorism is creating other challenges in regard to the role of intelligence. Any person or group willing to commit a crime to back up it’s political position can be terroristic. This includes governments as well as guerillas (Sloan, 2006). A quote by Moghaddam & Marsella (2004) says “It’s all about an act of
References: Bender, David & Leone, Bruno. Opposing viewpoints of Terrorism. Greenhaven Press, Inc. St. Paul, Minnesota. 1986. P. 11-25 Lindsay, Beverly & Lowther, Adam. Terrorism’s Unanswered Questions. Greenwood Publishing Group. Westport, Connecticut. 2009. P 16- 60. Lutz, James. Terrorism: Orgins and Evolutions. Palgrave Macmillan Publisher. New York, New York. 2005. P 6-16. Moghaddam, Fathali & Marsella, Anthony. Understanding Terrorism. American Psychological Association. 2004 .Washington, D.C. P 49-70. Sloan, Stephen. Terrorism: The Present Threat in Context. Berg Publisher. Oxford, New York. 2006. P 19-50.