TerrorismWhat is terrorism, and is it getting worse?
Because terrorism is so sensationalized by the media and oversimplified by authorities, it is important to demystify common misconceptions. Only then can we understand why individuals carry out political violence and put today’s acts of terrorism in historical context. Terrorism is not new. Rather it has a long history – and a historical review of terrorism activity in Western countries shows that terrorism is not worse than before the 9/11 era. The opposite is true. Western Europe, for example, has been experiencing relatively low terrorist activity during the period 2000 to 2016 compared to the period 1970 to 1995. Moreover, terrorism as a tactic does not work well. A researcher who studied 457 terrorist groups worldwide since 1968 found that terrorist groups lasted an average of eight years. No terrorist organizations studied were able to conquer a state, and 94 percent were unable to achieve even one of their strategic goals.
A bomb exploded in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan on Saturday, injuring 29 people. Police discovered a second explosive device nearby. Like the bomb used in the Boston Marathon attack, these devices were built from pressure cookers and loaded with shrapnel.
On Monday morning, a shootout with police in Linden, New Jersey led to the arrest of a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Afghanistan in connection with the attacks.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio initially called the bombing an “intentional act.” His reluctance to use the word “terrorism” drew criticism from retired security officials who felt he was being too cautious while the investigation was ongoing.
Why is terrorism so hard to identify?
As a professor of criminology and program director of a homeland security master’s program, I study how terrorism and political violence have evolved in modern history.
Because terrorism is so sensationalized by the media and oversimplified by authorities, it is important to demystify common misconceptions. Only then can we understand why individuals carry out political violence and put today’s acts of terrorism in historical context.
What is terrorism?
Terrorism is not an ideology like communism or capitalism.
Rather, terrorism is a tactic – a strategy used to achieve a specific end.
Terrorism is often used in asymmetric power struggles: in other words, when a weaker person, or group, is fighting against a powerful nation-state. The violence is aimed at creating fear in the targeted population and often provokes prompt and violent response from the state.
Terrorism followed by violent crackdowns can become a cycle that is difficult to disrupt.
Recently, terrorist groups have begun using the internet and the media to spread fear and impact public opinion with their political or social message. For instance, the Islamic State has been prolific in using the internet to recruit followers.
States also use terrorism tactics. For instance, states can sponsor terrorist groups in other countries in order to support foreign policies or safeguard their own national interest. Iran is known for supporting Hezbollah in Lebanon against Israel. The United States supported the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt against the communist government of Gamal Abdel Nasser and the mujahedeen in Afghanistan against the Soviet Union.
What do terrorists want?
Terrorists are not all after the same thing.
Terrorists often justify their bloody acts on the basis of perceived social, economic and political unfairness. Or they take inspiration from religious beliefs or spiritual principles.
