History and Theory of Terrorism

Question 1

Terrorist actors

Answer 1

Non-state actors, organized groups, lone wolfs

Question 2

Universal Definition

Answer 2

Use of violence to create fear for political, religious, or ideological reasons. The terror is intentionally aimed at non-combatant targets and the objective is to achieve the greatest attainable publicity for a group, cause or individual.

Question 3

The Anarchist Wave

Answer 3

1880s - 1910s creation of a coherent doctrine

Question 4

The Anticolonial Wave

Answer 4

1920s - 1960s directed against imperial rule

Question 5

The New Left Wave

Answer 5

1960s - 1990s Originating in Cold War ideology and internationalism, creation of international networks

Question 6

The Religious Wave

Answer 6

1990s - now originating in Middle East, creation of transnational concepts and franchises

Question 7

Old Terrorism vs New Terrorism

Answer 7

Paradigm shift from selected targets to indiscriminate killing (quality targeting vs quantity targeting)

Question 8

Theory of Terrorism being a Rational Choice

Answer 8

Opting for terrorism becomes a logical choice for groups when they start to believe that in their
political environment all non-violent strategies are doomed to fail.

Question 9

Theory of Terrorism being a Result of Personal Traits

Answer 9

Strong correlation between particular personality traits, biographical experiences, and mental or personality disorders.

Question 10

Theory of Terrorism being a Result of Social Interactions

Answer 10

Researchers found out that recruitment for terrorist groups often draws from “the concentric
circles of kinship, friendship, or fellowship”.

Question 11

Does terrorism work?

Answer 11

Terrorist groups often reach their short-term goals, but only in very rare cases manage to reach their long-term goals.