Political Science 2231E Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Narcoterrorism, State Terrorism
Document Summary
Terrorism: the use of illegitimate violence by sub-state groups to inspire fear, by attacking civilians and/or symbolic targets. This is done for purposes such as drawing widespread attention to a grievance, provoking a severe response, or wearing down their opponent"s moral resolve, to affect political change. Determining when the use of violence is legitimate, which is based on contextual morality of the act as opposed to its effects, is the source for disagreement over what constitutes terrorism. Postmodernists stress identity of individuals and groups, variety of groups. Mythoterrorism: aliented people or weak groups which seek to revolt against the powerful. Often involves a quest" symbolic nature of a recognition in that it"s almost impossible to achieve, but it"s worth doing. Seeks myth of a golden age in the past that we can return to, or possibility of a beautiful future which we can create. Belief in sacrifice and sacrifice through violence.