Question 1

Terrorism from below committed by nonstate movements and groups against governments, ethno-national groups, religious groups, and other perceived enemies is referred to as ______.

Accepted Answer

D

Question 2

Indiscriminate force is considered to be a moral use of force when it is applied against specific targets.

Accepted Answer

Indiscriminate force, by definition, does not target specific objectives and is therefore not considered moral or lawful, especially under international law and the principles of armed conflict, which emphasize the need to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants.

Question 3

What is the significance of the following statement: "One person's terrorist is another person's freedom fighter"?

Accepted Answer

The statement "One person's terrorist is another person's freedom fighter" highlights the complex and subjective nature of political and moral judgments regarding the use of violence and the pursuit of political goals. It underscores the idea that the perception of whether a group or individual is labeled a terrorist or a freedom fighter can depend largely on one's perspective, cultural background, political beliefs, and the context in which the actions are taking place.

From one viewpoint, a "terrorist" is typically seen as someone who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims. This term is often used by governments and official bodies to describe individuals or groups that challenge the status quo or threaten the security of a state or a segment of the population through violent means.

Conversely, a "freedom fighter" is perceived as someone who is fighting against oppression, occupation, or tyranny, often in the context of a struggle for national liberation or self-determination. The term carries a positive connotation and is used to describe those who are seen as engaging in a just or noble cause, even if they use similar tactics to those labeled as terrorists.

The significance of the statement lies in its ability to encapsulate the relativity of political labels and the importance of context in determining the legitimacy of armed struggle. It suggests that the distinction between a terrorist and a freedom fighter is not always clear-cut and can be influenced by the narratives and interests of those in power. For example, historical figures such as Nelson Mandela were once labeled as terrorists by their adversaries but are now widely regarded as freedom fighters and heroes for their roles in fighting apartheid and promoting equality.

The statement also invites reflection on the ethical dimensions of resistance and the use of violence. It challenges us to consider the reasons behind the actions of those involved in armed conflicts and to critically evaluate the legitimacy of their causes and methods. It is a reminder that history is often written by the victors, and the labels assigned to different actors can change over time as social and political attitudes evolve.

In summary, the statement "One person's terrorist is another person's freedom fighter" is significant because it calls attention to the subjective nature of political labels and the importance of understanding the broader context in which violent actions occur. It encourages a more nuanced and empathetic approach to conflicts and the individuals involved in them, rather than relying on simplistic or one-sided characterizations.

Question 4

What is the significance of the following statement: "One man willing to throw away his life is enough to terrorize a thousand"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the significance of the following...

Question 5

What is the significance of the following statement: "Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice"?

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

What is the significance of the following statement: "It became necessary to destroy the town to save it"?

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

Briefly discuss several differences between warfare and terrorism.

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

Why is it critically important for one to understand the nature and quality of extremism when studying the attributes of terrorism?

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

Briefly discuss the official American approach toward defining terrorism.

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

Briefly discuss the importance of context and perspective in the debate over defining terrorism.

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

In what ways do the example of the Cold War revolutionaries suggest that idealism is an important factor in extremist behavior?

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Briefly critique the official labeling of political opponents and supporters by governments.

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

Discuss the political violence matrix and how it is used to conceptualize modern terrorism.

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

What is extremism? What are its common characteristics? Why is extremism frequently justified by activists as being necessary? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Why are there so many definitions of terrorism? What has been the difficulty in arriving at a common definition? Critique some of these definitions.

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Few revolutionaries in the developing world, if any, would describe their behavior as terrorism. Yet, many Cold War and post-Cold War revolutionaries engaged in what could be defined as terrorism. Discuss, from their perspective, whether these tactics were acts of terrorism.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

If terrorism and guerrilla warfare are examples of "poor man's warfare," in your opinion are they therefore necessary and understandable options? If so, why? If not, why not?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

In what ways do you think the definition of terrorism will change or evolve in the era of the New Terrorism?

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

The New Terrorism will be the predominant terrorist environment for the foreseeable future. In what ways have we all become participants in the modern environment?

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

Identify and discuss the participants of a terrorist environment and how each of them can interpret an incident different.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 1: Defining Terrorism

Terrorism from below committed by nonstate movements and groups against governments, ethno-national groups, religious groups, and other perceived enemies is referred to as ______.

Indiscriminate force is considered to be a moral use of force when it is applied against specific targets.

What is the significance of the following statement: "One person's terrorist is another person's freedom fighter"?

What is the significance of the following statement: "One man willing to throw away his life is enough to terrorize a thousand"?

What is the significance of the following statement: "Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice"?

What is the significance of the following statement: "It became necessary to destroy the town to save it"?

Briefly discuss several differences between warfare and terrorism.

Why is it critically important for one to understand the nature and quality of extremism when studying the attributes of terrorism?

Briefly discuss the official American approach toward defining terrorism.

Briefly discuss the importance of context and perspective in the debate over defining terrorism.

In what ways do the example of the Cold War revolutionaries suggest that idealism is an important factor in extremist behavior?

Briefly critique the official labeling of political opponents and supporters by governments.

Discuss the political violence matrix and how it is used to conceptualize modern terrorism.

What is extremism? What are its common characteristics? Why is extremism frequently justified by activists as being necessary? Explain your answer.

Why are there so many definitions of terrorism? What has been the difficulty in arriving at a common definition? Critique some of these definitions.

Few revolutionaries in the developing world, if any, would describe their behavior as terrorism. Yet, many Cold War and post-Cold War revolutionaries engaged in what could be defined as terrorism. Discuss, from their perspective, whether these tactics were acts of terrorism.

If terrorism and guerrilla warfare are examples of "poor man's warfare," in your opinion are they therefore necessary and understandable options? If so, why? If not, why not?

In what ways do you think the definition of terrorism will change or evolve in the era of the New Terrorism?

The New Terrorism will be the predominant terrorist environment for the foreseeable future. In what ways have we all become participants in the modern environment?

Identify and discuss the participants of a terrorist environment and how each of them can interpret an incident different.