"The primary effect of terrorism is psychological." What does this statement from the text actually mean? Do you agree with the statement? Why or why not? Justify your argument by using relevant examples from international relations.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The ideal answer should include:
1. Explain what the statement means. For example, the purpose of terrorism is to demoralize a civilian population in order to use its discontent as leverage on national governments or other parties to a conflict.
2. Discuss whether you agree with the statement or not. For example, the effectiveness of terrorism in capturing attention is due to the dramatic nature of the incidents, especially as shown on television news. Terrorism also gains attention because of the randomness of victims. Although only a few dozen people may be injured by a bomb left in a market, millions of people realize "It could have been me" because they, too, shop in markets.
3. Provide an example. When the Irish Republican Army (IRA) planted bombs in London in the 1960s and 1970s, it hoped to make life miserable enough for Londoners that they would insist their government settle the Northern Ireland issue. The bombing also sought to keep the issue of Northern Ireland in the news, in the hope that the British government would then be pressured to concede to terms more favorable to the IRA than would otherwise be the case.
4. Conclude with a concise summary and effective conclusion.