Section 1 - What is terrorism Flashcards
What are the three reasons terrorism is so hard to define?
- The definition has changed over time
- Scholars and experts cannot agree on a definition
- It is similar to other forms of unconventional warfare/irregular violence
Terrorism is a form of ______ communication?
Violent
What are the similarities between terrorism and guerrilla warfare?
- They are use the same tactics/weaponry(Bombs, kidnapping, guns ect)
- Dont wear any uniform or insignia(“emerge from the shadows”)
What are characteristics of Guerillas?
- Larger number of forces
- Occupy more territory(territory is also a sanctuary)
- Establish bases/training camps ect
- Can engage on force on force attacks
Very similar to an infantry batallions strucutre and capabilities(Force on force/seize and hold ground)
What are characteristics of Insurgents?
- Similar to Guerillas as they use same tactics, control territory and exercise sovereignty over a population
2.More powerful tha Guerillas, as they are able to mobilise in greater numbers
What four characteristics differentiate terrorist groups from Guerrillas and Insurgents
- They don’t operate in the open
- They don’t seize or control territory
- They don’t exercise sovereignty
- Cannot engage in mass mobilisation
What makes it difficult to define whether a group is a terrorist group or a guerrilla
-Some groups will have a mixture of characteristics. Eg the Hamas has controlled territory, has sovereignty over people but uses terror tactics(Eg October 7th)
-The state department list of terrorist organisations is full of these hybrid groups
What are the ten core elements of Terrorism?
- Involves violence or the threat of violence
- Political in nature
- Psycological reprecussions -Not just to the victims but to the target audience
- 3 P’s - Planned, Premeditated, & purposeful
- A part of a chain of command
- No uniform or insignia
- Do not diffirentiate between combatants and non-combatants
- Non-govermental forms of violence(Not state terror)
- Can occur anywhere and doesnt follow rules of war
- Conducted by a organisation or an indivual who sees themselves as part of a larger cause
What are the three P’s of terrorism?
- Planned
- Premeditated
- Purposeful
Why do people become terrorists?
- There is no one single path to terrorism
- The reason someone picks up a gun is highly personal
- Generally it is due to a profound sense of albeit misguided altruism(selfless concern for the well-being of others).
- frustration and grievance
- a sense of dishonor
- religious piety
*The desire for systematic socioeconomic change.
What type of people become terrorists
- There is no particular personality or background
- Shoe bomber was uneducated, in and out of jail his whole life
- Saeed Sheik, the terrorist who lured Daniel Pearl to his beheading, was upper midde class, went to the poshest private schools in London, London School of Economics
As you can see, there is no set background
How do terrorist see themselves?
- Waging a just war
- Reluctent warriors
- Altruism
- Freedom fighers
- See their enemies as redemption
- See their struggles as black or white
- Rationalise their violence to justify civilian causilities because it is inevietable in war
Solzhenitsyn on evil doings being justified
Explain each level of the “Staircase”
Ground Floor: Everyone starts here, evaluating their living conditions for fairness. If conditions feel unjust, they move to the next level.
First Floor: People consider ways to improve their situation, seeking non-violent solutions. If these aren’t effective, they move to the second floor.
Second Floor: Frustration and anger arise, leading to the search for a target to blame (e.g., government or a specific group). Those convinced they have an enemy move to the third floor.
Third Floor: Moral Engagement
Violence becomes a viable option, often influenced by violent organizations offering a sense of moral purpose. Those attracted to these ideas move to the fourth floor.
Fourth Floor: Us vs Them
Individuals are isolated, immersed in an ‘us vs. them’ mentality, and trained to see violent actions as justified. Few leave once they reach this stage.
Fifth Floor: Sidestepping inhabitions
The act of violence occurs, fueled by dehumanizing categorization and distancing of the enemy, which removes inhibitions about killing innocents.
