Defining and Theorizing Terrorism: A Global Actor-Centered Approach

Abstract

Arriving at a consensual definition of the phenomenon of terrorism has been

Boko Haram

“…As Krueger and Maleckova (2002, p. 119) had observed, there are "more than 100 diplomatic and academic definitions of terrorism". Indeed, useful definitions have been proposed among scholars and policy makers alike, with some focusing solely on non-state actors while others incorporate and accentuate state actors alongside non-state actors (Primoratz 2004;Schmid and Jongman 2005;Lizardo 2008;Jackson and Sinclair 2012). However, there is yet no consensus regarding what essentially and precisely constitutes terrorism; hence, the concept is arguably very elusive since what it is usually referred to has surfaced in "so many different forms and under different circumstance" (Weinberg et al 2004, p. 778).…”

Tourism in XXI Century: The Powerful Peacemaker Against “Great Nation” Threat

“…Terror is a Latin word and has different forms of explanation, such as: great fear, panic, or dread, systematic use of violence and intimidation to achieve some goal; to suppress political opponents, public enemy. As to Enders and Sandler -Terrorism is the premeditated use or threat of use of extranormal violence or brutality by subnational groups to obtain a political, religious, or ideological objective through intimidation of a huge audience, usually not directly involved with the policy making that the terrorists seek to influence [18]. The U.S. Department of State defines terrorism as -politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience [19].…”

The Theoretical and Conceptual Understanding of Terrorism: A Content Analysis Approach

“…Crenshaw's perspective supported the common motive for terrorist attacks by establishing that certain political objectives motivate terrorists to act violently. However, Jalata (2011) viewed Lizardo's (2008) and Crenshaw's (1981) definitions as focusing only on certain aspects of terrorism without addressing all other forms of terrorism. Thornton (1964) defined terrorism as the use of terror to gain influence over political behavior.…”

“…In conceptualizing the act of terrorism as an intentional violence by non-state actors, Lizardo (2008) defined terrorism as A type of violent interaction initiated by a non-state actor, which is not formally recognized as a legitimate wielder of the means of violence or a valid initiator of violent interactions, directed against the representatives (human, material, or symbolic) of a formally recognized state actor in the international system, which does not follow the institutionalized rules and conventions of military engagement. (p.102) Crenshaw (1981) and Enders and Sandler (2006) also defined terrorism involving deliberate use of violence, threat of symbolic low-level violence by persons, conspiratorial organizations, or independent ideological opposition groups within a nation.…”