Terrorists

Abstract

Terrorism is curbing the modern society every other day. However it is not a modern concept but it has its roots linking with the past. It prevailed in the earlier societies, even United States of America experienced it in the early days of independence and along with them various nations across the globe have experienced it in the past. This paper begins with the introduction and history of the topic, and aims to addresses the conditions which led to the up-rise of this phenomenon in general.

Table of Contents

Abstract2

Introduction4

Discussion4

Pre-Modern Era Terrorism5

Birth of State/Political Terrorism6

Modern Time Non-State Terrorism7

Motivation to Terrorism8

Terrorist's Personality Traits8

Major Factors Predisposing an Individual to Terrorism9

Left Wing, Right Wing and Religiously Motivated Terrorism10

Conclusion11

References12

Terrorists

Introduction

In the simplest terms, terrorism can be defined as an act of using terror systematically. However, internal law governing bodies have not given any particular definition relating to the term, but it can be regarded as a violent act to create fear (Young, 2006). Since the term has no obvious international definition, different communities across the world have used different meaning for the term. Some communities have referred it to as war or crime and on the other hand, some have used the term liberation to define it (White, 2009). Nevertheless, the perception that majority of the communities have kept for this term is that it is an act of violence to create fear among public in general.

Terrorism is not a modern phenomena but it is something that has been prevailing in the societies around world for decades. People living in different parts of the world have been witnessing terrorism in different forms. Some incidents related to terrorism in the past were more or less were based on political grounds, while other were based on societal rebellions, likewise there were cases in which individual acts of brutality were also dubbed as terrorism. It has been a general norm in the past and even currently that while in a violent conflict oppositions are labeled as terrorists (Post, 2008).

Discussion

There are various other forms of definitions available in popular literature today; however, three common elements among all the set definitions for terrorism are; intimidation, coercion, and violence for achieving political or religious/social goals (Hoffman, 2006). These three elements have found their place in the basic definition of terrorism because over the course of history, all have been the most prominent elements in terrorist activities. Hence, a thorough historical perspective could only help identify the reasons pivotal in furthering terrorism, but also assist in analyzing its evolution to its modern day form in terms of motivations behind every act of terrorism (Hoffman, 2006).

Pre-Modern Era Terrorism

Terrorism in history goes back to the 1st - 13th century tenure in which Zealots of Judea assassinated Roman soldiers and Roman-supporting-Jews. The motive behind this widespread assassination was their staunch belief that they would not be able to continue living their lives as per their religious mandate of Judaism while being governed by Romans. Nevertheless, Zealots after having been defeated by ...