DEFINING TERRORISM

The meaning of terrorism differs in many different contexts. Time, place, entities involved and ultimate objectives are but a few of the variables that play into how one defines terrorism. On page 8 of your textbook, Jonathan White discusses the historical meaning of terrorism as a related to the French Revolution. On pages 11, 12 and 13 of your textbook, White (2012) discusses the range of definitions that are often highlighted or used. As you craft your response to the prompts below, I would suggest that you examine the different definitions of terrorism used by the FBI, the CIA, the State Department, and other federal agencies.

For this discussion question, you are to address three basic elements.

• As you examine different definitions of terrorism as stated by various entities within the federal government, what commonalities can you identify? What differences can you identify?
• Why are there such differences between agencies when these agencies fall under the larger umbrella of the United States federal government?
• What advantages might there be to developing a common definition of terrorism to be used throughout the US government? What detriment is done by not having such a common definition and what are the barriers to developing such a uniform definition of terrorism?

References:

White, J. R. (2012). Terrorism and homeland security (7th ed). Wadsworth Publishing Company. Belmont, CA