NCJ Number
62230
Journal
Journal of Conflict Resolution Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Dated: (SEPTEMBER 1972) Pages: 383-396
Date Published
1972
Length
14 pages
Annotation
BASIC COMPONENTS OF A DEFINITION OF TERRORISM ARE LISTED, THE ATTRACTIVENESS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF TERRORISM FOR REVOLUTIONARY ORGANIZATIONS IS ANALYZED, AND THE RISKS ARE OUTLINED.
Abstract
EMPIRICAL EXAMINATION OF DATA REVEALS TERRORISM TO BE (1) PART OF A REVOLUTIONARY STRATEGY, (2) MANIFESTED IN ACTS OF SOCIALLY AND POLITICALLY UNACCEPTABLE VIOLENCE, (3) A CONSISTENT PATTERN OF SYMBOLIC OR REPRESENTATIVE SELECTION OF VICTIMS OR OBJECTS OF TERRORIST ACTS, AND (4) PLANNED ACTIONS THAT CREATE A PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECT ON SPECIFIC GROUPS AND THEREFORE CHANGE THEIR POLITICAL BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDES. TERRORISM IS LESS COSTLY THAN GUERILLA WARFARE AND CAN BE PSYCHOLOGICALLY AND POLITICALLY EFFECTIVE. FROM THE INSURGENT VIEWPOINT, THE RISKS IN USING A TERRORIST STRATEGY INVOLVE CREATION OF HOSTILITY RATHER THAN FEAR IN TARGET POPULATIONS, THE POSSIBILITY OF GOVERNMENT REPRISAL; AND EMOTIONAL DAMAGE TO TERRORISTS CAUSED BY THEIR ACTS. TERRORISM IS PARTICULARLY APPEALING WHEN ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF REACHING REVOLUTIONARY GOALS ARE ABSENT; IT IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR IN A STATE THAT DENIES EXPRESSIONS OF POLITICAL OPPOSITION. FURTHER, ONCE A TERRORIST STRATEGY IS BEGUN, INSURGENTS MAY FIND THEMSELVES TRAPPED IN A CYCLE OF TERRORISM AND REPRESSION, UNABLE TO ESCAPE BECAUSE OF MILITANT AND POPULAR PRESSURES. A LIST OF REFERENCES IS ATTACHED. (AOP)