What is terrorism? Concepts, definitions and classifications

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this chapter is to investigate the meaning of terrorism, with a view to highlighting the main hurdles in the way of creating a working definition, as well as the necessity of developing definitions and classifications of this phenomenon.

Design methodology/approach

This chapter provides an overview of the literature on terrorism as a social/political phenomenon. It is therefore based on secondary sources.

Findings

While most literature on the topic finds it pointless or impossible to define terrorism, here we argue just the opposite. Common critiques of current definitions may be overcome by using multiple definitions and classifications.

Research limitations/implications

The chapter provides the methodological foundations for a comprehensive theoretical analysis of terrorism.

Originality/value of the chapter

The chapter applies insights from methodology of social sciences to the problem of defining terrorism.

Citation

Locatelli, A. (2014), "What is terrorism? Concepts, definitions and classifications", Understanding Terrorism (Contributions to Conflict Management, Peace Economics and Development, Vol. 22), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1572-8323(2014)0000022001