The Evolution of Terrorism

The Evolution of Terrorism


Terrorism is the threat or use of systematic terror and unpredictable violence by an individual or group for the attainment of political aims. Whether terrorism is utilized for or in opposition to an established governmental authority, it is intended to influence the attitudes and behaviors of a target group wider than the immediate casualties of those terrorist acts. Terrorism is employed by "political organizations with both rightist and leftist objectives, by nationalistic and ethnic groups, by revolutionaries, and by the armies and secret police of governments themselves" (Laquer 35). Despite contemporary opinions to the contrary, terrorism is not an advent of the 20th century. It has been practiced throughout history all over the world. History is laden with examples of how monarchs utilized terrorist actions to oppress their citizens. The term terrorism itself originates from the Reign of Terror (1793-1794) of the French Revolution, which was a tum...