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Defining Terrorism
There is no universally accepted definition of terrorism and even when people agree on a
definition of terrorism, they sometimes disagree about whether or not the definition fits a particular incident.
The Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism uses the definition set forth in statute by the United States Federal Government:
The Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism uses the definition set forth in statute by the United States Federal Government:
- The term "terrorism" means premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against
non-combatanti targets by sub-nationalii groups or clandestine agentsiii,
usually intended to influence an audience.
The term "international terrorism" means terrorism involving citizens or the territory of more than one country.
The term "terrorist group" means any group practicing, or that has significant subgroups that practice, international terrorism.
22 U.S.C. § 2656f(d)
i The U.S. Government has interpreted "noncombatant" to include, in addition to
civilians, military personnel who at the time of the incident are unarmed or not on duty. Similarly, the U.S.
Government considers attacks on military installations or on armed military personnel when a state of military
hostilities does not exist at the site to be terrorist attacks.
ii In this context, sub-national means a grouping not recognized as a nation-state. This includes groups like the Provisional Wing of the Irish Republican Army, HAMAS (Islamic Resistance Movement) or Kahane Chai.
iii An example would be the attacks on dissidents carried out by secret agents of the Iranian government.
ii In this context, sub-national means a grouping not recognized as a nation-state. This includes groups like the Provisional Wing of the Irish Republican Army, HAMAS (Islamic Resistance Movement) or Kahane Chai.
iii An example would be the attacks on dissidents carried out by secret agents of the Iranian government.
 2000 - 2008 Lawson Terrorism Information Center
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P.O. Box 889 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73101 Phone: 405.278.6311 | Fax: 405.232.5132 |