Terrorism Overview: History, Causes, and Definitions

Terrorism is a phenomena as old as man itself. History is replete with examples - Sicariis and Hashashin (assassins) to modern day Palestinian and religious terrorists. Their examples have proven that terrorism can be attractive, effective, and durable even if the tools are rather primitive. It is safe to assume, therefore, that terrorism will continue by the reality that many of the causes that motivate terrorists, such as ideological and national animosities, will remain unresolved, thereby encouraging terrorists to instigate violence to achieve political, social, and economic change. The contemporary historical record indicates that many terrorist movements operate without external state help, but those groups that benefit from such support are much more viable and dangerous. Although there are definitional controversies at the national, regional, and global levels, the fact remains that the challenge requires governments and international organizations to base their strategies on the six Ps: Prevent, Punish, Pursue, Prosecute, Persuade, and Protect.