How many different definitions of Terrorism are there?
109
What are some other terms terrorists may call themselves?
- Freedom and Liberation Movements (Ex. NLF)
- Armies (Ex. Popular Liberation Army)
- Actual Self-Defense Movements (Ex. The Jewish Defense Organization)
- Righteous Vengeance (Ex. Palestinian Revenge Organization)
“Freedom” is sometimes gained through terrorism. What countries experienced this is WWII era?
Israel, Algiers, Kenya, and Cyprus
How is terrorism a social construct?
It is defined by different people within varying social and political realities
Why has the term terrorism spawned heated debate?
- Considered nebulous and derogatory
- Term evokes a variety of politically charged responses
What are the primary reasons that no single definition of terrorism will ever be successful?
- Different meanings in different time periods
- Different meanings in different contexts within same time periods
When did the U.S. support terrorist regimes?
During the Cold War:
- Somoza in Nicaragua
- Batista in Cuba
What would an equation be for terrorism?
Terrorism = political goal + violence + civilians
What elements are necessary to consider something terrorism?
Political goal, Violence, Civilian Harm
What are the differences between Terrorists vs. Guerrillas?
Guerrilla warfare usually takes place during a situation in which their violence is within parameters of war.
Terrorists often target civilians and commit violence for political goal(s) and publicity.
Elaborate on how social context influences the definition for terrorism. What are examples?
Some groups that are considered to be terrorists view themselves differently.
Example:
- Israel sees their actions as self-defense, while Lebanon views those actions as terrorism
- U.S. Government views Hezbollah as a terrorist group, while Jordan views Hezbollah as a legitimate militia
What is the Just War Doctrine?
Elements required before entering war
What are the 6 elements of the Just War Doctrine?
- Competent authority
- Just cause
- Last resort
- Probability of success
- Proportionality
- Right intention
What is considered in “just cause” in the Just War Doctrine?
- Substance of cause (Ex. to protect innocent, to restore rights)
- Comparative Justice (Ex. Your right should be better than the others’)
What does “proportionality” mean in the Just War Doctrine?
Expectations and the cost for war should be proportional
2 Requirements while in the war, according to Jus in Bello?
- Positive discrimination, i.e. just and fair conduct (Ex. No intentional attacks against combatants and nonmilitary targets)
- Proportionality
What are the 2 kinds of proportionality in Jus in Bello?
- Specific Proportionality (Ex. Prohibits dropping a bomb in order to take over a station)
- General Proportionality: considering the whole context of war (Ex. Why 2 A-bombs were dropped on Japan instead of 10)
What are the Geneva and Hague Conventions’ rules of warfare?
- No taking civilians as hostages
- Regulate the treatment of POWs
- Recognize neutral territory and neutral states
- Diplomats have special status
- No use of chemical weapons
What is Selective Terrorism, and who developed it?
(Michael Collins)
- Strategy of targeting noncombatants and civilians, often with the intention of gathering audiences for their cause
- Also had a focus on targeting security forces and their symbols of authority.
What was Michael Collins’ reasoning for selective terrorism?
- He thought indiscriminate terror was invaluable
- Random, large-scale attacks would alienate public opinion
