What are the implications of the absence of a definition of terrorism?

The implications of the absence of a universal definition of terrorism for legal purposes are wide-ranging. One is that the lack of a definition may faciliate the politicization and misuse of the term “terrorism” to curb non-terrorist (or sometimes even non-criminal) activities.

What is terrorism according to NATO?

NATO defines terrorism in the AAP-06 NATO Glossary of Terms and Definitions, Edition 2014 as “The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence against individuals or property in an attempt to coerce or intimidate governments or societies to achieve political, religious or ideological objectives”.

How do you define terrorism?

How Do You Define Terrorism? Terrorism remains a contested term, with no set definition for the concept or broad agreement among academic experts on its usage. Bruce Hoffman of Georgetown University has defined terrorism as “violence—or equally important, the threat of violence—used and directed in pursuit of, or in service of, a political aim.”

Does the UN have a customary definition of terrorism?

Certainly, whenever terrorism terminology is referred to within a United Nations instrument, such as a resolution, it should not be understood as implying the existence of a customary definition.

Is there a universal definition of terrorism?

More generally, the consensus seems to be that a customary definition of terrorism is potentially evolving, but that its existence was declared prematurely by the Special Tribunal. The implications of the absence of a universal definition of terrorism for legal purposes are wide-ranging.

What is the DoD definition of terrorism Quizlet?

U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Definition of Terrorism. The calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological.

Do all anti-terrorism instruments contain a definition of terrorism?

More generally, as is examined in some detail below, most universal anti-terrorism instruments do not contain a definition of terrorism due to its accompanying political sensitivities. One notable exception though is the example discussed here of article 2 of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism of 1999.