The United States Department of Defense defines terrorism as the calculated use of violence or the threat of violence to inculcate fear, intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological. Facts on Terrorism Contrary to what the public perception might be, terrorist violence is neither spontaneous nor random.
Terrorists select their targets carefully and their selection is planned and rational.
Terrorism is a psychological act played out for its impact on an audience. Terrorist goals are always political, as extremists driven by religious or ideological beliefs usually seek political power to compel members of society to conform to their views. The objectives of terrorism distinguish it from other types of violent acts such as criminal violence, which are aimed at personal, not political gain. In terrorism, the only rule essentially is that there are no rules. No person, or place, or sacred objects are immune from a terrorist attack.