Come Quote by Peter Bergen
“The commonly accepted definition of terrorism is that it is politically motivated violence directed at civilians by entities other than a state. These kind of attacks can come from the far right, the far left, racists of every stripe, as well as jihadists.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Terrorism Definition, CNN, 2020
Terrorism is violent acts by non‑state groups targeting civilians for political aims, regardless of ideology.
In simple terms: Violent political attacks by non‑state groups.
Key Takeaway
Recognize all ideological sources of terrorism.
Themes
politics
violence
ideology
security
society
Mood
serious
analytical
Type
informative
critical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- law enforcement
- community education
- media reporting
Key Concepts
radicalization
state legitimacy
civilian protection
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we differentiate political protest from terrorism?
- What policies best prevent radicalization?
A Different Perspective
Complex motives can blur lines between protest and terrorism.
