The Theoretical and Conceptual Understanding of Terrorism: A Content Analysis Approach

Abstract

The definition of terrorism has given rise to plethora of argument on what terrorism entails, hence there is no generally acceptable definition of terrorism. Terrorism is understood differently contingent on the context and source of the definition. Terrorists believe in fighting a just cause, whereas the state and non-supporters see them as terrorists or guerillas whose intention is to cause fear, destroy life and property. The conceptual analysis of terrorism in this study is focused on non-state sponsored terrorism. This research analyzed various literature ranging from scholarly, legislative, national, international and popular perspectives to establish an agreement on the definition of terrorism. The study utilized secondary information from existing academic literature in operationalizing terrorism. Findings revealed that a universally acceptable definition of terrorism is still in limbo, however, an objective and subjective definition of terrorism is tenable. Hence, there is need for an inter subjective understanding of what constitutes terrorism.