Terrorism Flashcards
1
Q
What is terrorism?
A
Terrorism is the threat or use of violence against noncombatants either by states or militant groups often used to demoralise, intimidate and influence stronger adversaries.
2
Q
Historical terrorism
A
- Violence more selective and symbolic.
- Political objectives clear (wanted to air grievances, influence adversaries, change policies, provoke enemy overreactions and produce new sympathisers).
- People could avoid being victims by switching sides.
3
Q
Contemporary terrorism
A
- A willingness to kill indiscriminately and large amounts of people.
- Displays greater fanaticism that muddles their political message.
- Offer few incentives for victims to avoid their fate.
- Many terrorists are prepared to give up their lives for the cause (suicide bombings pioneered by Sri Lanka’s Tamil Tigers).
- Terrorists are transnational and linked by internet and subgroups.
- Some seek to obtain weapons of mass destruction.
4
Q
What leads someone to become a terrorist?
A
- Poverty, religion, frustration with government.
- Exposed to violent worldviews, experiencing frustration with government policies (especially those pertaining to one’s ethnic/religious group).
- Make individuals more susceptible to radicalisation and recruitment.
5
Q
Four (five?) waves of terrorism
A
- Anarchist
- Anti-colonial
- Left-wing
- Religious
- White supremacist
