My Definition Of Terrorism

Terrorism is defined as “The use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims” (Oxford). Violence and intimidation are tactics used by certain individuals and groups to inflict harm, incite fear, and gain power to obtain their goal. However, the Oxford definition is an extremely narrow definition of terrorism, in my opinion there are many other facets of terrorism that were not mentioned in the definition. Terrorism is hard to define, although, broadly stated I would define terrorism as an act of violence by an individual or group in order to exert their ideals. Terrorist acts are executed for quite a few reasons, it can be because an individual or group’s religion dictates that they must live, or act a certain way; which can …show more content…
I strongly believe that politics do have ties in religion, even though most nations keep faith and politics separate. The Vietnam War erupted on our end (USA) simply because we didn’t want the spread of communism, we thought that the best form of government for their people was democracy. We stuck our snouts in so deep just to try and get this nation to conform to our ideals on what a successful government is and that they should not have communism, this is exerting our power over a nation simply to express our ideals on what we believe is right. Religious terrorism in my opinion is terrorism that is carried out in order to oppress others that don’t conform to or threaten the set of ideals or values the group doing the act practices. Religious terrorism has been timeless since the start of religion as a whole. Jerusalem for example, has always had conflict because it is the holy city of multiple religions, all of which think they are following the correct faith. To the Christian faith it has importance because it is where Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected by god. The Islamic faith believes that is the city where Muhammad spoke to god; generating what is today the Quran. While the Judaists hold the city close because they believe it is the house of God, from the building of the temple by Solomon. This however sparked conflict when the temple was destroyed many times by Babylonians and Romans. This is how certain terrorism was sparked between religions, either from them trying to spread their own ideals to other faiths (missionaries), or believing their own faith was the only one with importance. Problem is in these religions there are followers who believe their faith is the only faith that is right, causing terrorism and violence between religions. Then you have terrorism that is sparked internally in a religion, there are many examples of this, one being Sunni and Shia views within Islam. The