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Understanding Terrorism: Evolving Threats, Definitions, and Counter-Measures
Dissecting the Definition: The Complex Nature of Terrorism
First, terrorism is a growing problem that our world leaders have faced, particularly in the last thirty years since the 9/11 attacks. Over the years, a variety of governments and world powers have tried to agree on a singular way to define terrorism, but it is often confused and compared to other forms of political and social violence. The boundaries between these different forms of violence are often blurred. This leads to difficulties when it comes to charging the perpetrators of these acts. Therefore, the question is, what is terrorism? The actual definition of terrorism remains complex and controversial. Because of the inherent ferocity and violence of terrorism, the term has been heavily stigmatized.
According to the Larousse dictionary’s direct definition, terrorism is a set of violent acts (attacks, hostage-taking, etc.) committed by an organization or individual to create a climate of insecurity, to blackmail a government, to assuage hatred towards a community, a country, a system.’ In broader terms, terrorism is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation in pursuit of political objectives. While we understand that the definition is unspecific and subjective, it outlines a box in which terrorism is found.
The Evolution of Terrorism: From Historical Acts to 9/11
Throughout history, terrorist attacks have been recorded around the world. However, the 20th century has seen great changes in the use and practice of terrorism. Technological advances, such as automatic weapons and explosives, have given terrorists new mobility and lethality. In addition, the development of air travel has provided new methods and opportunities for new threats. As a result of these tactics, on September 11, 2001, the most destructive terrorist attack the world has ever seen was committed when four airplanes were hijacked by members of the revolutionary group Al Qaeda. Two of the planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C., and the fourth crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Counter-Terrorism: The Global Response to an Ever-Present Threat
In the space of less than ninety minutes, the world changed. Nearly three thousand people were killed that day, and the United States quickly became embroiled in what would become the longest war in its history, a war estimated to cost eight trillion dollars. The events of September 11 not only reshaped the global response to terrorism but also raised new and troubling questions about security, privacy, and the treatment of prisoners. They reshaped U.S. immigration policies and led to an upsurge in discrimination, racial profiling, and hate crimes.
Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, the meaning of the word terrorism has changed in every American household. Before, it was a distant word that was not personal, but after the horrific events that took place that September morning, everything changed. Terrorist attacks are a persistent global threat that knows no borders, no nationality, and no religion, and it is a challenge that the international community must face together. This threat must be fought with determination and solidarity. Counter-terrorism, a military tactic, has been introduced to combat the new and growing crisis.
Work on counter-terrorism focuses on improving threat awareness developing preparedness and response capabilities. It is about creating alliances and systems within organizations to demilitarize and disarm specific political groups with violent and destructive methods.
References
- Global Terrorism: Origins and Evolution. Smith, J., & Jones, R. (2005). Oxford University Press.
- Larousse Dictionary. (2022). Definition of Terrorism. Paris: Larousse Publishing.
- The Age of Terrorism. Wilkinson, P. (1987). London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
- Inside Terrorism. Hoffman, B. (2006). Columbia University Press.
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