What is terrorism, what are its characteristics, and what are the different kinds of terrorist organizations?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Terrorism is defined by the U.S. Department of State as "premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience." Terrorist acts are inherently criminal because they violate the criminal law, involve criminal activity, and produce criminal results.

There are several characteristics of terrorism that set it apart from other forms of violence, such as war or violent crime. First, terrorism is usually premeditated or planned, rather than being committed impulsively or as an act of rage. Second, it is politically motivated, rather than being perpetrated for criminal gain. Third, terrorism usually is aimed at civilians rather than military targets or combat-ready troops. Fourth, terrorism is carried out by subnational groups, rather than by the army of a country.

The main types of terrorist organizations include
• Nationalist terrorists, who seek to change the entire political, social, and economic system to an extreme right or ultraconservative model
• Religious terrorists, who use violence to bring about social and cultural changes that are in keeping with their religious views
• State-sponsored terrorists, who are deliberately employed by radical nations as foreign policy tools
• Left-wing terrorists, who seek to replace economics based on free enterprise with socialist or communist economic systems
• Right-wing terrorists, who are motivated by fascist ideals and work toward the dissolution of democratic governments
• Anarchist terrorists, who are revolutionary, anticapitalist, and antiauthoritarian