Understanding the term ‘Terrorism’: A complex history and varied meanings
The word “terrorism” is everywhere in the news today, but have you ever stopped to think about where this term comes from and what it really means? The term originates from the Latin verb terrere, meaning “to tremble.” Its modern use began around the French Revolution, initially describing state actions, not attacks by non-state actors.
For example, the 1901 assassination of U.S. President McKinley was reported without labeling the act as “terrorism” at the time. Headlines focused on the facts, not the label.
Different languages translate and interpret “terrorism” in various ways, sometimes with subtle differences in meaning. This reflects how complex the concept truly is.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, terrorism is “the unofficial and unauthorized use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims.” But even this widely accepted definition is open to interpretation—and disagreement.
In fact:
- Policymakers
- Politicians
- Practitioners
- Scholars all struggle to agree on a single definition.
Key takeaway: The term “terrorism” is widely used but far from universally understood. Its meaning shifts depending on historical context, language, and perspective.
Why do we lack a common definition? That’s a question worth exploring further.
There is no generally accepted definition of terrorism for several key reasons, as explained by expert Alex Schmid:
- Contested Concept: Terrorism is highly subjective. One person’s “terrorist” can be another’s “freedom fighter.” Political, legal, academic, and popular views often differ sharply.
- Legitimization and Criminalization: Defining terrorism often involves deciding which groups are legitimate or illegitimate. Governments and organizations create lists of designated terrorist groups, but these lists vary widely and are influenced by political pressures.
- Variety of Types: Terrorism takes many forms—religiously motivated, ethno-nationalist, left-wing, right-wing, single-issue—and each type has different motives and methods. Some attacks may lack clear ideology, making classification difficult (e.g., lone actors with unclear motives).
- Evolving Meaning: The term “terrorism” has changed over 200 years. Originally, it referred to state violence during the French Revolution but later shifted to primarily non-state actors. This historical evolution adds to the confusion around its current meaning.
Together, these factors make it challenging to agree on a single, clear definition of terrorism.
Dive deeper
- Alex P. Schmid, Defining Terrorism, ICCT Report, March 2023, DOI: 10.19165/2023.3.01, ISSN: 2468-0486 ¦ Link