Terrorism As A Process And Its Significance - 1176 Words

Midterm 2014 Brian Marks HLSS154: Mind of a Terrorist September 25, 2014 How does our coursework explain the concept of terrorism as a process and its significance? The concept of terrorism as defined by Hoffman in his book, Inside Terrorism, is not easily defined. Hoffman indicates that most definitions do not give the word â€Å"terrorism† a clear definition for today (Hoffman 2006). However, according to Hoffman, the Oxford English Dictionary does provide a definition that embodies terrorism since its beginnings. â€Å"Any one who attempts to further his views by a system of coercive intimidation.† (Hoffman 2006, 3). The views that are typically political or idealogical in nature (Hoffman, 2006, 2-3). While Hoffman†¦show more content†¦This appears to be a never ending cycle. How does our coursework explain the difference between religious and secular terrorism? In addition, what are potential countermeasures against religious terrorism? Hoffman, indicates that in religious terrorism the terrorists believe that what they are doing is some type of divine directive (Hoffman 2006, 88). This thought is further expanded by individuals receiving blessings, etc... prior to terrorist attacks. Due to this â€Å"divine† directive religious terrorists do not pay attention to morals that the secular terrorist would (Hoffman 2006, 88). While a secular terrorist may have misgivings in harming children or women, the religious terrorist does not have these misgivings. Hoffman also indicates that religious terrorist see themselves outside of society whereas secular terrorists see themselves inside society (Hoffman 2006, 89). Both use force in an attempt to bring about change, but due to the secular terrorist being within the system, they typically are not bent on destroying the system, rather changing it. Religious terrorists believe that the society or system has to be destroyed in its entirety. In an article from Stratfor, Pakistan s Deadly Struggles With Politics and Religion, January 5, 2011, the author gives an idea to counter