Although the use of force is at the of most definitions of terrorism, the choice of a more nuanced definition depends on who makes that definition. Some may think of the perpetrator of terrorist acts, while others reflect on the reasons for such acts. The first thing that comes to mind for health workers is the lack of access to healthcare, and hence the need for violence and the fear of retribution. Terrorism can be classified as national or international and refers to the place where terrorist attacks take place. The term “terrorist group” refers to a group that practices international terrorism or has significant subgroups. This means terrorism affecting citizens or territories of several countries.
Terrorism is generally defined as the unlawful use of force that supports political goals or fuels fear. Bombing and armed attacks are the most common forms used by terrorists, owing to widespread destruction of property and widespread fear of reprisals. The calculated use or violence or threat of violence intended to coerce or intimidate governments or society with generally political, religious or ideological objectives. Private individuals and property are the most frequent targets of terrorist attacks, according to the motive for scaring the public. The US State Department describes terrorism as “deliberate, politically motivated violence perpetrated by subgroups or secret agents against non-combatant targets, usually aimed at influencing an audience. The FBI’s definition is ” the use or threat of force to intimidate or force the government, civilian population or part of it to pursue political or social objectives”. The current legal definition of terrorism is outlined in the United Nations Convention for the Prevention of Terrorism and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In addition, the State Security (MI5) defines terrorism as “violence or the threat of violence used by terrorist groups to advance their cause and as a means of achieving their objectives”. This definition, which was formulated as part of the legislation and policy to protect countries with the status of a nation-states from violence by non-state groups provides for the protection of national security, civil liberties and human rights in Australia.
The tactics are the same, but the objective is something other than a political objective. Non political terrorism is an act of terrorism committed by a group in the name of a specific political objective, such as the promotion of democracy, freedom of speech or the protection of human rights. Quasi terrorism is an act of violence that uses the same methods as terrorists but does not have the same motivating factor. Research has shown that it is often motivated by hatred and can only be motivated by the desire for revenge for the death of a loved one or family member. An act of violence can be considered as an act of terrorism if personal prejudice against a particular group or individual is used to incite violence against another group. Although everyone agrees that violence and intimidation are at the core of terrorism, the definitions quoted above differ. The second characteristic we all have in common is that this type of event is sometimes motivated by a particular ideology.
Terrorism always seeks to achieve a political objective, but there is also a big difference, terrorist violence must be directed against life and limb, not against any other person or group, in the name of a particular ideology, violence against property also counts as terrorism. Most acts of violence committed by terrorists, such as planting bombs that kill or injure people or kidnapping government officials, are crimes, murder and bombings are also illegal, even if they serve a political purpose or are simply for money or personal revenge. People disagree on whether murder committed for political ends should be treated in the same way as murder committed for more personal reasons.