Towards a New Definition of Terrorism

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Introduction

   Katarzyna Maniszewska

   Abstract

   The Introduction presents the research objectives, questions, and hypotheses. There are two main hypotheses. First, new legal frameworks for defining terrorism are needed, and second, through the analysis of the history of the development of terrorism, patterns can be found that could help counter terrorism in the future. The author describes the methodology of the research and its timeline, as well as the limitations encountered. The author explains the position of the research within the spectrum of critical and orthodox terrorism studies. The chapter concludes with an overview of the content of the book.

3. Chapter 2. One Man’s Terrorist

   Katarzyna Maniszewska

   Abstract

   In this chapter a review of definitional problems relating to the term terrorism is presented, including its ‘relativity’. The definitions discussed include those present in academia as well as in legal systems. The author attempts to find similarities in the definitions to identify the common denominators. Further, the relationship between the media and terrorism is presented to highlight the dependence of terrorism on the means of mass communication in order to achieve one of their main goals’—instill fear into the public. In this context the issues of code of ethics in the media are being raised, examples discussed include BBC, UNESCO Handbook for journalists and the Council of Europe recommendation “Media and Terrorism”.

4. Chapter 3. Shifting Paradigm of Terrorism

   Katarzyna Maniszewska

   Abstract

   In this chapter the author discusses the development of terrorism. Theories of development stages by Rapoport and Kepel are the starting point for a case study analysis. Further, the geopolitical shifts in terrorism are briefly presented and the interconnectivity of various types of threats is signalled (further explored in the subsequent chapter). The model used is the history of the Red Army Faction, which allows not only to present the consecutive stages of radicalisation and then development of the terrorist group, but also the state support the organisation received. The author is looking for similarities between modus operandi of actors in terrorism historically and contemporarily. The analysis leads to the question of whether the Russian Federation should be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism for invading Ukraine. The overview of opinions from the experts’ interviews is presented, along with the author’s recommendations.

5. Chapter 4. Countering Terrorism: Key Challenges and Proposed Solutions

   Katarzyna Maniszewska

   Abstract

   In this chapter based on research interviews and own research the author gives an overview of the key challenges to countering terrorism. The interdependence of terrorism with various types of security threats is being highlighted, such as violent conflicts, ecological threats, political instabilities, economic crises and the nexus with organized crime. The potential challenges stemming from the rapid technological advancements are being analysed with a special focus on artificial intelligence. The author discusses the ideas on how terrorist organisations could harness the technologies and how the technologies could enhance counter-terrorism measures. One of the aspects the author identifies as crucial within the broad anti-terrorism (AT) system is education. The chapter discusses how building societal resilience to disinformation may be one of the critical factors in the AT system. The chapter is concluded with an evaluation, according to the five steps analysis proposed by Bruce Schneier, of the need for a common definition of terrorism as a security mechanism in counterterrorism.

6. Chapter 5. Descriptive Matrix Proposal

   Katarzyna Maniszewska

   Abstract

   In this chapter, based on the expert interviews, own research, including the analysis presented in previous chapters, the author designs a proposal of a descriptive matrix. The matrix is composed of blocks that could be potentially used to assess whether an organization is a terrorist organization, whether a criminal act is a terrorist act and if so, what is the scope of the organization and/or act. The author proposes a set of primary criteria, called the sine qua non conditions that have to me met in order to define an act and/or actor as terrorist. Further, the matrix includes descriptors corresponding with various characteristics potentially useful when designing response to the threats. The matrix is an attempt to present a new approach to defining terrorism offering a tool that could be flexible in form and address the challenges of politization of the term terrorism. As one of examples of the practical usage of the matrix the Wagner Group is being presented, and based on the analysis run according to the matrix—Wagner Group is a terrorist organization.

7. Chapter 6. Perspectives on Terrorism: Expert Interviews

   Katarzyna Maniszewska

   Abstract

   This chapter features transcripts of 20 interviews with experts. All the respondents were given the same set of questions. The questions were directly related to the main topic of research that is definitions of terrorism, including issues of state sponsors and challenges in countering the threats. A specific question on the Russian Federation was included as well, as discussed in previous chapters. This chapter concludes with the transcript of the interview conducted with Chat GPT that was asked the same set of questions as the experts interviewed.

8. Chapter 7. Conclusion

   Katarzyna Maniszewska

   Abstract

   In the Conclusions, the main findings of the research are summarized, and the research hypothesis is confirmed. Research suggests that a new approach to defining terrorism is needed. One of the possibilities for addressing this challenge could be the descriptive matrix developed by the author. The matrix focuses on the sine qua non conditions identified in the research, without which a phenomenon cannot be defined as terrorism: intention, ideological motivation, illegality, psychological effect, and violence. However, the author notes that the final version of the matrix should be elaborated on in broad academic consensus as a result of accumulated knowledge that could eventually contribute to evidence-based policymaking in counter-terrorism.