Introduction to Terrorism: Typology, Targets, and Organizations

According to Dr. Nadav Morag, "as with any other phenomenon, researchers and policy analysts who attempt to study terrorism are faced with the problem of defining the nature and boundaries of the phenomenon in question." In this introduction to terrorism, Dr. Morag emphasizes the typology, targets, and organizations associated therein. He suggests that there are four basic methods to defining terrorism; based on the act itself, on those who carry it out, on the root cause for the violence perpetrated by the terrorists, or on the nature of the policy response to the terrorism. Some argue, even, that terrorism need not be violent. While countries offer national definitions of terrorism, each interpretation reflects the interests and mindsets of the governments that formulated them. Despite these typological discrepancies, Dr. Morag goes on to analyze the aims, targets, and incentives of various terrorist groups.