Week #1

An Introduction to Terrorism as an International

Phenomenon

Introduction

Opening discussion of complexity of terrorism.

Synopsis of Balance of the Lecture: 1) An introductory primer on the history of terrorism. 2) An examination of the distinctions between state-based

terrorism and international terrorism. 3) A general assessment of the relationship between terrorism

and the media. 4) A general assessment of the relationship between terrorism

and religion. 5) Preview of balance of the seminar.

The History of Terrorism Development of broad range of terrorist groups and regimes

over course of ancient and modern history. Basic types of terrorism are state- and non-state based in

character. The “Terror” of the French Revolution of 1789-99 as point of

departure for modern state-based terrorism. Terrorism and the road to the outbreak of World War I. Terrorism of the Cold War years, with an emphasis on leftist

groups such as the Baader-Meinhof Gang in West Germany during the 1970s.

State-Based vs. International Terrorism Cases of State-Based Terrorism: Revolutionary France (1789-99). National Socialist Germany under dictatorship of Adolf Hitler

(1933-45). Communist Soviet Union under dictatorship of Joseph Stalin

(1924-53). Cambodia under Khmer Rouge of Pol Pot (1975-79).

Cases of International Terrorism: Distinctions between domestic and transnational terrorism. The late Osama bib Laden’s Al Qaeda (1990-2011) as most

significant contemporary example.

Terrorism and the Media Reporting on terrorism dates to dawn of mass distribution of

newspapers in the 1800s. Use of media coverage to pressure governments and regimes

they are attempting to overthrow.

Evolution of media and implications for terrorist groups with the onset of the Internet age.

Palestinian “suicide bombing” videos one significant example. Distribution of Al Qaeda videos via outlets such as Al Jazeera

another significant example.

Terrorism and Religion

Notwithstanding some previous historical anomalies, terrorism inspired by religious beliefs predominantly a mid- to late-20th century phenomenon.

Religion has been used to inspire behavior by terrorist groups in a range of contexts, including some with ideological, nationalistic and other political overlap (please see Week #3 Lecture for historical cases of hybrid motivations for terrorism).

Terrorists have used multiple religions to inspire their actions, including Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

Preview of Balance of the Seminar The balance of the seminar is divided into following 10 weeks: 1) An examination of the causes of terrorism. 2) An examination of historical cases of economic, ideological,

nationalistic, religious and hybrid motivations for terrorism. 3) An examination of terrorist strategies and tactics. 4) A comparative examination of terrorism and freedom fighting. 5) An examination of international law and terrorism. 6) An examination of state sponsorship of terrorism. 7) Case Study of Libya as a state sponsor of terrorism. 8) Case Study of Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism. 9) Case Study of Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism. 10) Review of central themes addressed in the seminar.