NCJ Number
107797
Date Published
1987
Length
170 pages
Annotation
This text provides an overview of terrorism and terrorist tactics, with focus on terrorism in the Middle East.
Abstract
Definitions of terrorism are reviewed, and a definition is proposed that views terrorism as a systematic and persistent strategy of violence practices by a state or political group with the intent of achieving a state of terror and public intimidation to achieve political ends. Within the context of this definition, terrorism is compared to other forms of violence including guerilla warfare, state dictatorship, political crime, and organized crime. The historical development of terrorism is traced, and its contemporary geographical distribution and targets and tactics are outlined. The role of terrorism in political conflict, as an alternative to conventional war, is assessed; the influence of mass communications on terrorism is discussed. The increasing sophistication of terrorist strategies is considered, including the potential threat posed by nuclear terrorism. Finally, terrorism in the Middle East, particularly Israeli-Palestinian terrorism, is considered; major terrorist incidents are summarized. 20 references.