Conceptualizing Terrorism

Article

Richards, A. 2013. Conceptualizing Terrorism. Studies in Conflict and Terrorism. 37 (3), pp. 213-236.
AuthorsRichards, A.
Abstract

This article argues that, while there have always been good reasons for striving for a universally agreed definition of terrorism, there are further reasons for doing so in the post 9/11 environment, notwithstanding the formidable challenges that confront such an endeavour. Arguing that the essence of terrorism lies in its intent to generate a psychological impact beyond the immediate victims, it will propose three preliminary assumptions: that there is no such thing as an act of violence that is in and of itself inherently terrorist, that terrorism is best conceptualized as a particular method of political violence rather than defined as inherent to any particular ideology or perpetrator, and that non-civilians and combatants can also be victims of terrorism. It will then outline the implications that these assumptions have for the definitional debate.

JournalStudies in Conflict and Terrorism
Journal citation37 (3), pp. 213-236
ISSN1521-0731
1057-610X
Year2013
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Accepted author manuscript
License
CC BY
Web address (URL)http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1057610X.2014.872023
Publication dates
Print18 Dec 2013
Publication process dates
Deposited01 Mar 2016
Accepted01 Nov 2013
Copyright informationThis is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Studies in Conflict & Terrorism on 18.12.13, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/1057610X.2014.872023
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