There are different words used for when civilians commit violent acts with a political goal, it is terrorism; when government commits violent acts with political goals, it is "done in the name of security (Botha, 2010, p. 30). State terrorism's goal is to increase government control by intimidating a population.

• What are some examples of state terrorism throughout history?

Botha, A. (2008). Challenges in understanding terrorism in Africa: A human security perspective. African Security Review, 17(2), 28-41. https://doi.org/10.1080/10246029.2008.9627469