Terrorism, Definitions, Typology and Control Strategies

Abstract

Terrorism has been with us for centuries, and it has always attracted inordinate attention because of its dramatic character and its sudden, often wholly unexpected, occurrence.

There was once a relatively clear dividing line between terrorists and guerrillas, between political terrorist and criminal gangs, and between genuine homegrown political terrorism and state- sponsored terrorism Today these lines have become blurred, and the situation is even more corf used than it used to be.

Terrorism has become one of the most pressing political problems during the last ten years. Difference in defining terrorism provoked speculation and controversy not only in definition but also in motivation and typology of terrorism

There are three part to this essay. Part one with definition, motivation, and the global incidence and typology of terrorism The part two illustrates variety of terrorism with contrasted case studies from four continents. Part three looks at ethical and legal problems and at the control strategies some governments employ.