Understanding TerrorismIWOF LECTURE 2

DR. FRANK O’DONNELL

Structure of Presentation 1. Definitions of Terrorism 2. History of Terrorism 3. Terrorism in the 20th Century 4. Different Forms of Terrorism Today

Learning Outcomes 1. Deconstruct and analyse common definitions of terrorism 2. Understand historical evolution of terrorism 3. Understand different forms of terrorism today

Defining Terrorism US DoD definition: "The unlawful use of violence or threat of violence, often motivated by religious, political, or other ideological beliefs, to instill fear and coerce governments or societies in pursuit of goals that are usually political.”

NATO definition: “The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence against individuals or property in an attempt to coerce or intimidate governments or societies to achieve political, religious or ideological objectives.”

No UN definitionpp. 51-52:

Problem: States' use of armed forces against civilians

Problem: Right of resistance to foreign occupation

History of Terrorism: Ancient Terrorism

Assassination of Julius Caesar, 44BC

Sicarri Jewish Zealots, 70AD

History of Terrorism: Toward Modernity

Transition from Ancient to Modern Terrorism

“As the civilian, the voter and opinion former in democracies, holds much more influence in politics than in the past, the targeting of civilians – or ‘noncombatants’ – becomes more prominent in the twentieth century”G. Chailand and A. Blin (eds.) The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to al-Qaeda (University of California Press, 2007) p. 8.

Terrorism in the 20th Century

Categorising Terrorist Groups

1. By motivating ideologya. Religiousb. Political (secular)

I. Right-wingII. Left-wing

c. Ethnic-nationalistd. Social

2. By aegis of operation

a. Domesticb. International

3. By relationship to government

a. Independentb. State-sponsored

Learning Outcomes 1. Deconstruct and analyse common definitions of terrorism 2. Understand historical evolution of terrorism 3. Understand different forms of terrorism today

Exercise for Tomorrow Split into groups of 4 people each Pick a terrorist group to give a 5-minute presentation about Presentation should focus on the group:•Origins•Structure•Strengths•Vulnerabilities