NCJ Number
80372
Journal
Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 13 Issue: 4 Dated: (June 1981) Pages: 160-166
Date Published
1981
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper argues that a detailed examination of the aims and motivation of terrorist groups is fundamental to defining, understanding, and combating terrorism.
Abstract
A literature review, suggests six classes -- crazy destruction, criminal destruction, criminal hostage taking, crusading destruction, and crusading hostage taking. However, the paper criticizes these classifications and some popular definitions of terrorism because they fail to consider the principal goal of the terrorist act -- political change. Distinctions are drawn between the aims of 'raw terrorism' and those of 'hostage-taking episodes.' 'Raw terrorists' who bomb, burn, or kill usually see themselves as being at war with society. Hostage takers select victims primarily because of the worth of these people to the responsible authority. Whereas in the first kind of attack the victim's death is the goal of the action, in the second the death of the hostage marks the failure of the operation. This fundamental difference is supported by close examination of the words and deeds of active terrorists. Ways of countering terrorism should include propaganda against terrorists. A total of 14 references are provided.