History of Terrorism - Unit 1

Extremism

Holding radical, intolerant beliefs that reject compromise and view the world in moral absolutes (good vs. evil), often logical to followers but illogical to outsiders.

Extremist Mindset

Simplifies complex issues, creates “us vs. them,” uses conspiratorial thinking, and rejects gray areas.

Formal Definition of Terrorism

Violent criminal acts or threats committed by individuals or groups to advance political, religious, or ideological goals by instilling fear.

International Terrorism

Terrorism involving foreign groups or state-sponsored actors operating across national borders.

Domestic Terrorism

Terrorism motivated by ideological beliefs rooted within a country’s own political, social, or religious conflicts.

Informal Definition

Violence meant to send a message and scare an audience beyond the immediate victims.

Psychological Disruption

Creating fear, trauma, and insecurity through symbolic violence.

Social Disruption

Undermining trust in government protection.

Changing the Existing Order

Forcing political or social change through mass casualties.

Creating a Revolutionary Environment

Provoking overreaction to gain support.

Hamas

Islamist militant group operating in Gaza; uses terrorism and political action against Israel.

Tamil Tigers (LTTE)

Sri Lankan separatist group seeking an independent Tamil state; known for suicide bombings.

IRA (Irish Republican Army)

Nationalist group seeking to end British rule in Northern Ireland.

Boko Haram

Islamist extremist group in Nigeria opposing Western education and government authority.

Freedom Fighter

Viewed by supporters as resisting oppression.

Terrorist

Viewed by opponents as using illegitimate violence against civilians.

Key Difference

Perspective, tactics, and civilian targeting.

Antiquity

Tyrannicide and mass violence used to maintain power.

Roman Era

Crucifixions, regicide, and state terror common.

Ancient & Medieval Middle East

Groups like the Sicarii used assassination and guerrilla tactics.

Dark Ages

Religious and feudal warfare, no nation-states.

French Revolution

“Reign of Terror” coined the term terrorism.

Modern Era (Rapoport’s Waves)

Anarchist Wave - Anti-colonial Wave - New Left Wave - Religious Wave

Fringe Left

Extreme Marxist views justifying violence against perceived oppression.

Far Left

Seeks radical social change through political agitation.

Far Right

Emphasizes tradition, nationalism, and social order; not always violent.

Fringe Right

Believes violence is justified to protect racial or religious purity.

Radical Socialism

Advocates redistributing wealth to the working class.

Anarchism

Rejects state authority; emerged from 19th-century social upheaval.

Fascism

Extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, obedience to the state, rejection of democracy.

Traditional Terrorism

Politically motivated, limited violence, symbolic targets.

New Terrorism

Religious or ideological absolutism, mass casualties, global scope.

Structural Theory

Terrorism arises from political oppression and inequality.

Relative Deprivation Theory

Violence occurs when groups feel unfairly disadvantaged.

Absolute Deprivation Theory

Extreme poverty or abuse pushes groups toward violence.

Routine Activity Theory

Crime happens when a motivated offender meets a vulnerable target without guardianship.

Radical Criminology

Crime results from systemic inequality.

Anomie Theory

Normlessness from blocked opportunities.

Strain Theory

Crime results from gaps between goals and legitimate means.

Differential Association Theory

Terrorism is learned through social networks.

Moral Absolutism

Clear division of good vs. evil.

Seeking Utopia

Belief that violence will create a perfect society.

Self-Sacrifice

Violence justified as moral duty.

Moral Justification

Ends justify the means.

Stockholm Syndrome

Psychological response where hostages form emotional bonds with captors.

Media’s Role

Amplifies terrorist messages and fear.

Why Terrorists Use Media

Attention, legitimacy, recruitment.

Media Coverage Issues

Sensationalism can unintentionally aid terrorists.

Critiques of Media Coverage

Overexposure, copycat effects, glorification.

Far Left

Focuses on class struggle and economic equality.

Far Right

Focuses on race, religion, nationalism, and tradition.