Discuss below in a 325 words each or more with at least 2 references. Be thoughtful and insightful and it must demonstrate critical thinking and analysis.
Defining Terrorism
When attempting to define or conceptualize the word "terrorism" it is important to distinguish the broad underlying philosophical, ideological, and legal precepts supporting these different definitions and conceptualizations. Historically, law enforcement and counterterrorism agencies have tended to focus on peculiar inherent qualities of the perpetrators who engage in domestic terrorism. It viewed domestic terrorists as Americans attacking other Americans predicated on American-based extremists' ideologies. However, this sort of reasoning contains an inherent ambiguity. Some scholars posit that one of the key factors likely to encourage future terrorism is the lack of a clearly agreed upon definition of the term terrorism.
1. What do you think are the inherent ambiguity issues that the FBI has in defining domestic terrorism? Why is that so, and how might they be clarified?
Domestic Terrorism: A Radical Phenomenon
When considering the historical evolution of extremists and terrorists it is important to view these groups within their historical and respective social contexts. Domestic terrorism is now viewed more as a radical phenomenon - things have changed since the 1960s. The radicalization of homegrown terrorists and transnational Islamic extremists continues to grow at an alarming rate. Some experts claim that underemployment, alienation, and loneliness necessitating the need to belong to some group contributed significantly to radicalization of homegrown terrorists. Others claim U.S. foreign policies and military involvements have fuelled the flames of holy war. Nevertheless, Islamists have continued to exploit these vulnerabilities and issues.
2. From an historical perspective, why is domestic terrorism now considered a radical phenomenon? How has it changed since the 1960s?