By: Raja Furqan Ahmed
The term, Terrorism is defined as the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political or religious purpose. Terrorism is not legally defined in all jurisdictions, however, the statutes that do exist, generally share some common elements. Terrorism involves the use or threat of violence and seeks to create fear, not just within the direct victims but among a wide audience.
Terror has been practised by state and also non-state actors throughout history. During a Roman Emperors in 14-37 AD such as Tiberius and Caligula used banishment, expropriation of property and execution as a means to discourage opposition to their rule.
Terrorism against the enemy has often viewed as a religious act and suicidal person will get the reward in heaven.
The history of modern terrorism began with the French revolution. The term terrorism was also coined during the Reign of Terror, the period of the French Revolution from September 1793 to July 1794, during which the Revolutionary Government directed violence and harsh measures against citizens suspected of being enemies of the Revolution. This was also the birth of State-Sponsored Terrorism. In-state sponsored terrorism, the major goal is to eliminate the opposition and consolidate the power.
Late19th century, terror was adopted in Western Europe, Russia, and the United States by adherents of anarchism, who believed that the best way to effect revolutionary political and social change was to assassinate persons in positions of power. From 1865 to 1905 a number of kings, presidents, prime ministers, and other state officials were killed by anarchists’ guns or bombs just like Lincoln assassination.
Terrorism also became a tool of communication and propaganda. The most common causes or roots of terrorism include civilizations or culture clashes, globalization, religious conflict. More personal or individual-based reasons for terrorism are frustration, deprivation, negative identity, narcissistic rage, and moral disengagement.
At the end of the 20th century, religious-based terrorism became more influential and popular. Due to the advance globalization, the new techniques and tools were developed such as economic terrorism, which destructs the industry and agriculture system. In the 21st century, the most prominent groups are al-Qaeda, the Taliban and ISIL.
Terrorism is a special type of violence and Asymmetrical warfare. Asymmetric warfare is between the opposing forces which differ greatly in military power and that typically involves the use of unconventional weapons and tactics (such as those associated with guerrilla warfare and terrorist attacks). Guerrilla warfare, occurring between lightly armed partisans and a conventional army, is an example of asymmetrical warfare. Terrorist tactics, such as hijackings and suicide bombings, are also considered to be asymmetrical, both because they tend to involve a smaller, weaker group attacking a stronger one. As a weaker group unexpectedly surprise the stronger group.
There are mostly two types of terrorism, Domestic and International terrorism. Domestic terrorism includes those particular groups which are working within the state without foreign involvement but due to the globalization domestic terrorism activities are backed by the foreign interest. Example of Domestic terrorism is the Baloch Liberation Army. The BLA is operating mainly in Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan where it carries out attacks against the Pakistan Armed Forces, civilians and foreign nationals. Afghan Taliban also comes in the category of domestic terrorism because they are fighting against the Afghan government and invaders and their activities are mostly inside the state. The other type is
International terrorism, which involves groups whose terrorist activities are foreign-based or directed by countries or groups outside the State. Example of International terrorism is the 9/11 attacks which were conduct by Al-Qaeda members in the USA.
The only solution to minimize terrorism is that the state should take the responsibility for not creating terrorist groups for their short-range goals.
The writer is a student of International Relations and Freelance journalist currently based in Islamabad, Pakistan. He can be reached at [email protected] or @furqanraja1122 on Twitter