International Relations Summer
Camp 2024
12th-13th August
Alannah Hoey
Page 1
Introduction to Terrorism-
Concepts, debates and
cases
Page 3
What is terrorism?
The unlawful use of violence and intimidation,
especially against civilians, in the pursuit of
political aims.
Page 4
Politically Motivated: It often Violent: It involves acts of
has a political agenda or aims violence or the threat of
to bring about change. violence.
Key characteristics
Aims to Instill Fear: The
primary goal is to spread fear Targets Civilians: Unlike
and panic. traditional warfare, terrorism
often targets civilians to create
fear.
Page 2
Do you agree with this definition?
Page 2
Key Concepts
State-Sponsored Terrorism: This is when governments
support or conduct terrorist activities. For example, a state
providing weapons or training to terrorist groups.
Domestic Terrorism: These acts occur within a country's
borders and are carried out by local actors. An example
would be attacks by the Ku Klux Klan in the United States.
International Terrorism: Terrorism that crosses national
boundaries, often involving groups that operate globally,
like Al-Qaeda.
Page 4
Political Ideology: Some groups are
motivated by extreme political
beliefs, whether left-wing or right-
wing.
Motivations:
Why might groups or individuals resort
to such extreme actions?
Ethnic/Nationalist Causes: Some
Religious Extremism: Others are
terrorists fight for what they see as
driven by religious ideologies,
the liberation or rights of their
believing their acts are justified by
ethnic or national group.
their faith.
Page 4
Debates in Terrorism
Freedom Fighter vs Terrorist
Nelson Mandela:
During apartheid (South Africa)
some viewed him as a terrorist
because he advocated for armed
resistance, others saw him as a
freedom fighter, fighting for
justice and equality.
Page 5
Was Mandela’s actions forms of
terrorism or justified acts of
freedom fighting?
Page 6
Poverty?
Religion?
Causes of terrorism?
Politics?
Page 6
Is terrorism about poverty and
inequality? Or religion and
political reasons?
Page 6
Case Study- 9/11
• September 2001 attacks on US.
• Al-Qaeda, a radical Islamist group, carried out these attacks.
• Their motivations included opposition to U.S. foreign policy in the Middle
East and a desire to establish a strict form of Islamic governance.
• The impact of 9/11 was enormous, leading to the War on Terror, changes in
international relations, and increased security measures worldwide.
How do you think 9/11 changed the way countries approach terrorism?
Page 6
Case Study- The rise of
digital terrorism
• ISIS used social media for recruitment, propaganda, and spreading fear.
• This form of 'cyberterrorism' shows how the internet has transformed
terrorism.
Why do you think ISIS was so successful in using the internet for their cause?
Think about propaganda, recruitment and the impact of digital
platforms.
Page 6