Understanding Terrorism: What is Terrorism?

Summary

This lecture explores the complexities of defining terrorism, its causes, and its effectiveness as a political strategy. It discusses the controversial nature of the term, noting its use as a form of political violence that aims to communicate through shock and outrage. The lecture highlights the shift in perspective, from terrorist organizations to networks that may control territory, and examines the blurred lines between terrorism and insurgency in conflicts like those in Afghanistan and Iraq. The strategic use of terrorism, despite its destructive nature, remains a significant factor for some actors.

Takeaways

• 😀 Terrorism is a form of political violence, not tied to any specific political actor or group, and can be used by various types of actors.
• 😀 The term 'terrorism' remains contested and controversial, even after significant global events like the 9/11 attacks.
• 😀 Terrorism is often linked to the concept of 'propaganda of the deed,' where violence is used to communicate a message and influence an audience.
• 😀 The violence in terrorism is highly symbolic, aiming to shock and provoke outrage, often by targeting civilians who are considered innocent and unprepared.
• 😀 Terrorism is not about collateral damage in conflicts; it deliberately targets civilians as a method of creating fear and disrupting societies.
• 😀 Terrorism is a systematic campaign of violence, signaling more violence to come, which adds to its threatening nature for the audience.
• 😀 Terrorist organizations are often seen as underground groups that operate in extreme secrecy, although some may also be loose networks rather than highly structured organizations.
• 😀 There is a debate on whether groups that acquire and hold territory can still be considered terrorists, as terrorism traditionally doesn't involve territorial control.
• 😀 The lines between terrorism and insurgency can blur, especially in modern conflicts like those in Afghanistan and Iraq, where groups like the Taliban and ISIS engage in both forms of violence.
• 😀 Modern terrorist organizations, such as the Taliban and ISIS, are not stateless or rootless but have the capacity to control territory and govern, challenging traditional definitions of terrorism.

Q & A

What are the three key aspects discussed in the lecture on terrorism?

The three key aspects discussed are: defining terrorism, identifying the causes of terrorism, and determining whether it is effective as a political strategy.

Why does the term 'terrorism' remain controversial even after the 9/11 attacks?

The term 'terrorism' remains controversial because it is often used to condemn enemies, and the Obama administration even attempted to substitute it with 'violent extremism' to distance itself from the Bush administration's counter-terrorism policies.

What is the 19th-century concept of 'propaganda of the deed' in relation to terrorism?

'Propaganda of the deed' is a concept that originated from the anarchist movement of the 1880s. It means that violent acts are a form of communication, and the violence is intended to shock, surprise, and outrage the audience.

What role does the audience play in acts of terrorism?

The audience plays a critical role in terrorism, as the violence is intended to have a strong emotional impact, often through shock, surprise, and outrage. It aims to influence those who witness or hear about the event.

How are the victims of terrorism described in the context of the violence?

Victims of terrorism are often described as innocent because they have no responsibility for the perceived wrongs or injustices that the perpetrators are protesting or reacting to.

What is the significance of choosing civilians as targets in acts of terrorism?

Choosing civilians as targets is significant because it ensures the violence is not just collateral damage, but rather a deliberate strategy to cause maximum shock and fear among the public.

What is the difference between terrorism and insurgency, especially in modern conflicts?

The distinction between terrorism and insurgency is often blurred. While terrorism involves violence aimed at shocking and influencing an audience, insurgency focuses on acquiring and holding territory. However, in modern conflicts like those in Afghanistan and Iraq, groups can engage in both terrorism and insurgency.

How do the Taliban and ISIS illustrate the overlap between terrorism and insurgency?

The Taliban and ISIS illustrate this overlap because both groups engage in terrorism while also seeking to control territory and establish a form of government, which are characteristics typically associated with insurgency rather than terrorism.

Why do some argue that terrorism is a strategic choice for certain political actors?

Some argue that terrorism is chosen as a strategy because it can be effective for certain actors, particularly when it enables them to achieve political or ideological objectives, such as influencing public opinion or undermining a government.

What is the main takeaway regarding the definition and use of terrorism in modern times?

The main takeaway is that terrorism is a flexible strategy used by various actors, and its definition remains contested. While it may be linked to certain political movements or ideologies, its use can be seen as a method chosen by groups seeking to further their objectives, whether or not they control territory.