International Definitions of Terrorism Essay

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Terrorism

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks marked a moment in history that will forever change the way the world views terrorism. Because of the attacks, if one is labeled a terrorist in the present day, or is accused of an act of terrorism, these words carry far more severe consequences than it would have in the past. Along with altered responses to terrorism, domestic and international law has altered policy towards terrorism, leading to an evolution of antiterrorism efforts. But what defines a terrorist in the eyes of the world? What types of terrorism exist? Ultimately there are general causes and effects of terrorism. This essay hopes to understand such things and recognize terrorist activity in the present day. Research will also highlight past and will help shed light on whether or not international response is necessary. Since terrorism is a global concern, international response may be crucial to resolving such a troubling issue.

When looking to define terrorism internationally, it is important to see how countries define their own counterterrorism laws. India, the United Kingdom, and the United States have definitions of terrorism that fall under several domestic laws. These laws were repurposed from a legislative framework to another and expanded through application post 9/11. This means that the definition of terrorism within the law may be seen with instances of overreaching in relating the label of terrorist or terrorism to a person or activity (Smith, 2015).

One of the reasons it may be difficult to find a set international definition of terrorism is because of the inability of the United Nations to properly define terrorism in a comprehensive way. What is clear however, are the various consequences of labeling someone a terrorist. Once a person is labeled a terrorist, in America as well as other countries, there are severe consequences ranging from trial to restrictions on freedom of expression.

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While the U.N. has not provided a clear definition of a terrorist, it has provided the framework from which countries must respond when faced with terrorist activities or suspected terrorists. "After the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, even countries that generally treated acts of terrorism as ordinary criminal matters were moved to define terrorism, if only to comply with Resolution 1373's mandate" (Setty, 2011, p. 3).

Resolution 1373 has forced countries to strengthen their counterterrorism efforts. Countries like India, the United States, and England/UK, have altered their policies in order to adapt to the number of growing terrorist threats in recent years. However, because there is no global comprehensive definition of terrorism, the world can't act in unity against terrorism. Numerous scholars suggest the lack of universal definition hinder counterterrorist operations, limiting the effectiveness of both domestic and international lawmaking efforts to counter any kind of terrorist activity, at the same time fulfilling human rights duties (Saul, 2012, p. 38).

Some of the reasons international definition of terrorism has reached a standstill is because some countries want to exempt colonial uprisings and freedom fighting from terrorism as well as state-sponsored actions. With no universal definition of terrorism, the UN passed Security Council Resolution 1566 in 2004 that provides general acts and descriptions of what may fall under terrorist activity. Resolution 1566 attempts to give a partial definition of terrorism. " ... criminal acts, including against civilians, committed with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury, or taking of hostages, with the purpose to provoke a state of terror in the general public or in a group….....

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