Authors: Kuper & Kuper
Summary: The entry outlines the main features of terrorism, distinguishes between "right-wing" and "left-wing" terrorism, considers the major causes of terrorism, and presents a schematic classification.
Terrorism consists of a series of acts intended to spread intimidation, panic and destruction in a population. These acts can be carried out by individuals and groups either opposing a state or acting on its behalf. Violence perpetrated by the state or by sympathetic right-wing terrorist groups is anonymous, aimed at the supposed restoration of law and order. Violence from left-wing groups is usually not anonymous, in order to awaken the people to the injustices of the system.
As for the causes of terrorism, the entry maintains that several conditions and determinants must be present. Terrorism is never simply the response to socioeconomic conditions of marginality. Finally, the entry classifies several types of terrorism according to their goals: repressive, revolutionary, and secessionist.