They use violence as a means to their ends. They have loved ones and others they care about. They believe their cause is just. They resort to violence when their issues are continually ignored or opposed. Most observers do not recognize state terrorism , which is terrorism as defined above done by states.
Terrorist states are often authoritarian or military-dominated.
Turn our embassies into fortresses. Surround US personnel abroad with more guards. Do more surveillance. Bomb or otherwise attack terrorists or those who harbor them. Use covert means to overthrow such governments.