terrorism

-No universal definition -Need for civil, economic and military approaches -Global networks extending across borders, specific struggles and religions

 Threat or use of seemingly random violence against innocents for political ends by a non-state actor (Cronin, 2002) Terrorism is political violence or threat of violence by groups or individuals who deliberately target civilians or noncombatants in order to influence behavior and actions of targeted publics and governments (Nacos, 2006) The unlawful use of- or threatened use of- force or violence against individuals or property to coerce or intimidate government or societies, often to intimidate government or societies, often to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives. (DoD)

 UN 1999: Criminal acts are intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group of persons, or particular persons for political purposes are in any circumstance unjustifiable whatever the considerations of philosophical, political, racial, ethnic, religious or other nature than may be invoked to justify them Frequencies of definitional elements in 109 definitions of terrorism Violence 83%, Political 65%, fear, terror, 51%, threat 47%
(from Schmidt and Jongman et al, 1988 in Howard/Sawyer,20006,p.21)

EU (2002) terrorism definition directive Acts committed with the aim of: (i) seriously intimidating a population, or (ii) unduly compelling a Government or international organization to perform or abstain from performing any act, or (iii) seriously destabilizing or destroying the fundamental political, constitutional, economic or social structures of a country or an international organization: (a) attacks upon a person's life which may cause death; (b) attacks upon the physical integrity of a person; (c) kidnapping or hostage taking; (d) (...); (e) causing extensive destruction to a Government or public facility, a transport system, an infrastructure facility, including an information system, a fixed platform located on the continental shelf, a public place or private property likely to endanger human life or result in major economic loss; (f) seizure of aircraft, ships or other means of public or goods transport; manufacture, possession, acquisition, transport, supply or use of weapons, explosives or of nuclear, biological or chemical weapons, as well as research into and development of biological and chemical weapons; (h) release of dangerous substances, or causing fires, explosions or floods the effect of which is to endanger human life; (i) interfering with or disrupting the supply of water, power or any other fundamental natural resource the effect of which is to endanger human life; (j) threatening to commit any of the acts listed above.

Old vs. New terrorism

draw attention, fewer causalities political and specific territorially isolated financing options limited Both Religion more prominent and global Transnational Numerous semi-legal and illegal sources Well-armed and well-trained, ad-hoc, less trained Hierarchy but extensive Hierarchical networks and splinter groups Religious based groups using bribes, traps and political new technology and networks deals could enable are difficult to penetrate penetration of groups These, plus WMD (CBW and small arms, rocket-propelled potentially nukes) grenades etc No formal surrender, relative victory achievable (IRA, red victory in creating a society brigades) experiencing nuisances, discomfort, irritation