The Cause of Terrorism

Terrorism is, in the most general sense, the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion. [1] At present, the International community has been unable to formulate a universally agreed, legally binding, criminal law definition of terrorism. [2][3] Common definitions of terrorism refer only to those violent acts which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for an ideological goal (as opposed to a lone attack), and deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants (civilians). Some definitions also include acts of unlawful violence and war.

The history of terrorist organizations suggests that they do not select terrorism for its political effectiveness. [4] Individual terrorists tend to be motivated more by a desire for social solidarity with other members of their organization than by political platforms or strategic objectives, which are often murky and undefined. [4] The word “terrorism” is politically and emotionally charged,[5] and this greatly compounds the difficulty of providing a precise definition. Studies have found over 100 definitions of “terrorism”. 6][7] The concept of terrorism may itself be controversial as it is often used by state authorities to delegitimize political or other opponents,[8] and potentially legitimize the state’s own use of armed force against opponents (such use of force may itself be described as “terror” by opponents of the state. ). [8][9] A less politically and emotionally charged, and more easily definable, term is violent non-state actor[10] (though the semantic scope of this term includes not only “terrorists,” while excluding some individuals or groups who have previously been described as “terrorists”). citation needed] Terrorism has been practiced by a broad array of political organizations for furthering their objectives. It has been practiced by both right-wing and left-wing political parties, nationalistic groups, religious groups, revolutionaries, and ruling governments. [11] One form is the use of violence against noncombatants for the purpose of gaining publicity for a group, cause, or individual. [12]