Definitions of Terrorism Definitions of Terrorism Terrorism by nature is difficult to define. Even the U.S. government cannot agree on one single definition. Listed below are several definitions of terrorism. For the purposes of the Terrorism Research Center, we have adopted the definition used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Terrorism is the use or threatened use of force designed to bring about political change.
Brian Jenkins Terrorism consitutes the illegitimate use of force to achieve a political objective when innocent people are targeted. Walter Laqueur Terrorism is the premeditated, deliberate, systematic murder, mayhem, and threatening of the innocent to create fear and intimidation in order to gain a political or tactical advantage, usually to influence an audience. James M. Poland Terrorism is the unlawful use or threat of violence against persons or property to further political or social objectives. It is usually intended to intimidate or coerce a government, individuals or groups, or to modify their behavior or politics. Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.