NCJ Number
130877
Date Published
1990
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the claim that a person who is viewed by some as a terrorist is viewed by others as a freedom fighter concludes that the concepts are not simple opposites.
Abstract
Those who view "terrorist" and "freedom fighter" as interchangeable terms argue that the definition of terrorism depends purely on a person's viewpoint. However, an alternative view distinguishes between ends and means and notes that freedom fighters seek freedom as their end, while terrorists use terror as their means. This dichotomy of means and ends does not distinguish the two terms completely, because freedom fighters may resort to terror and terrorists may pursue freedom. Thus, the essential claim of the freedom fighter is the right of self-defense against tyranny, while that of terrorists is an unlimited right of attack upon anyone. Therefore, terrorism and freedom fighting are not a pair of opposite abstractions. Notes