Terrorism is defined as the threat or use of violence to create fear and harm in order to influence governments and society.

Origin of terrorism

Many people are surprised to learn that “modern” terrorism has been around for thousands of years and has been practiced all over the world. Xenophon, the ancient Greek historian, recorded the use of psychological warfare against the enemy as far back as 431– 350 BC. The word zealot actually comes from a group of rebels in the 1st century as they used terrorist tactics of kidnappings, assassinations, and vandalism in fighting against the Roman occupation of Jerusalem. These Zealots are credited with making the occupation of Jerusalem the most daunting and least desired task for any Roman general throughout the mighty Roman Empire. During the Roman army’s siege of the Masada stronghold, the Zealots chose to kill themselves; their wives and children rather than give up or be taken prisoner by the Romans. Speaking of the Romans, Roman emperors from AD 14 to AD 41 used tactics that could be defined as terrorism in order to subdue and discourage opponents and dissenters. The actual word “terrorism” comes from the French Revolution. In 1793-1794, after the Jacobins seized power in France, they adopted a policy of violence toward their enemies; giving birth to the term terrorism. This era even became known as the “Reign of Terror”.

Reasons for terrorist acts

The reasons for committing acts of terror are as numerous and as diverse as the persons committing them. The following are considered some, but certainly not all, of the core reasons for the perpetration of terrorism: political philosophy, ethnic groups seeking liberation from the ruling government, church views differing from those of the government, lack of economical/financial progress, socio/economic or religious fanaticism.

What is the mindset of the terrorist?

The basic idea behind terrorism is to impair or destroy a central governing body so it is inhibited from providing basic security and guaranteeing the public’s national safety. The mindset of the terrorist is to instill fear in the general population and bring to the forefront concerns about their health and safety.

• Undermine state and local government capacities to maintain order and to deliver minimum services to the public.
• Destroy the orderly function of the economic system, disrupting the economy, negatively affecting public morale and the socio/economic institutions of a nation’s central government.

Summary

While this article attempts to define terrorism, the fact is the reasoning and causes of terrorism are too many and too complex to simply explain away. It is an area of ongoing study in which the answers and/or solutions may never be fully attained.