TERRORISM Terrorism—the planned threat or use of violence, often against the civilian population, to achieve political or social ends, to intimidate opponents, or to publicize grievances. Terrorist is a pejorative term with the interpretation differing according to side in the conflict. Soft targets are civilians and other undefended groups. 2

Types of Terrorism Domestic terrorism: involves violent armed attacks against the people of one's own country. Domestic terrorists usually disagree with mainstream values. Terrorists are intolerant, rely on moral absolutes and broad conclusions. 3

Types of Terrorism International terrorism refers to politically-motivated violent armed attacks against people in another country. Reasons for terrorism Ideological—seeing Western nations as economically exploiting Practical—believing that terrorism works Tactical—terrorists communicate while living in various places Historical—terrorism traditionally seen as effective 4

Types of Terrorism State-sponsored terrorism is a government's use of violence against its own people or in support of international violence. Varies from death squads to providing safe havens Cyberterrorism is any premeditated, politically motivated attack against computer and information systems Includes computer worms and viruses 5

How Common is Terrorism? Terrorism has a long history, extending back to biblical times. The State Department has identified 44 active foreign terrorist organizations. Terrorist groups operate in at least 60 countries. The number of terrorist attacks were highest in the 1980s. 6

Terrorist Strategies Weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) involve nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. Nuclear terrorism refers to weapons powered by atomic processes. Nuclear proliferation refers to the ability of more nations to develop nuclear weapons. 7

Terrorist Strategies Nuclear bombs can create massive destruction. The components can stay active for thousands of years. Nuclear arsenals are vulnerable to saboteurs, smugglers, and terrorists. 8

Terrorist Strategies Biological terrorism: the intentional release of potentially lethal viruses or bacteria into the air, food, or water supply. The CDC has identified 36 biological agents that could threaten a population. Contamination is fairly easy to accomplish. 9

Terrorist Strategies Chemical terrorism refers to using manufactured gases or liquids that are highly toxic, can enter the body through the lungs or skin, and cause death within hours. Chemical weapons are easier to make and deploy than germ warfare. Many American facilities already use hazardous chemicals. 10

Causes of Terrorism Economic reasons—Poverty increases the likelihood of terrorism, but the world's poorest countries have little terrorism. Political reasons— Countries with a very high or very low degree of political rights experience much lower risks of terrorism than countries in the middle. 11

Causes of Terrorism Religious reasons—Some terrorists argue that they are fighting for religious freedom. Social, cultural, and personal reasons—Those who feel oppressed, desperate, or cheated and have no other way of fighting may resort to terrorism. 12

Conflict Perspective Conflict theorists emphasize negative characteristics and consequences. War and terrorism Create social and economic costs Violate human rights and civil liberties Benefit the power elite Divide a population 13