Classification understood as typology is
closely related to definition as the
Aristotelian formula of “genus and
differentia specifia” makes it clear.
any definition, whether it takes this
classic logical form or consist of
listing characteristics, attributes, or synonyms is intended to
isolate and demarcate the boundaries of its subject matter. Thus, as
difficult as it is to have a specifically agreed definition of the
concept of terrorism, it is also impossible to get a generally accepted
classification of the typology of
terrorism. Each person classifies as he deems fit to do
in relation to certain
factors . But the question here is what are the objective criteria for analyzing terrorism? There are a
long list of possible variables, based
on the scope, method and objectives of terrorist. seven of such variable have been identified for the purpose of
analytical convenience. These according
to Shutz (1978) are causes, environment
, goals, strategy, means, organization
and participation.
Causes may be broadly conceptualized as anyone or
any array of observable economic, political, social and or psychological
factors. Conditions underlying the
decision to resort to the use of extra-normal political violence is
quite varied and complex. These generalized long –term factors and short
term factors. in the case of non-revolutionary terrorism, long-term causal factors might include prolonged
societal inequities, political disenfranchisement, or economic depression, while short causes could be the result of a
rapid upsurge of ethnicity, relative
deprivation or government repression. The environmental variable is conceptualized on the basis of geographical spheres. These environmental
variations may be broadly classified into internal environmental(within the
nation state ) and external
environmental (global or systemic levels
) categories.
Goals on the other hand, are the objectives at
which terrorism is directed, for example, in the case of revolutionary
terrorist, the long range or strategic
objective would be to assist in the overthrow of the established order, while the short term tactical /objectives might include disruption of the governments controls, demonstrations of the governments
strength and building solidarity within
the movement. strategy may be
conceptualized as overall plan, all necessary
actions, policies, instruments and apparatus for the achievement of the
terrorist goals, means are categorized
as any and all capabilities and
techniques utilized within the broader
strategic frame work to achieve the goals projected.
Capabilities available may include the
most primitive or the most sophisticated forms
of weapons, mobility, electronic
media manipulation, tactical communication, etc. the techniques utilized can range from
kidnapping, barricade and hostage, forms of
bombing, armed assault or ambush, hijacking skyjackings, rail derailment, hostage-taking,
threats incendiary attacks or arson, assassination, chemical bacteriological
or radiological pollution, participation is broadly conceptualized to refer to
the type of individual who takes part in political terrorism as well as
various types of political leaders who
employ political terrorism to achieve their political goals.
Terrorism is not uncommon in various parts of the glob. most persistent
and pernicious one is associated with
the Palestinian resistance movement PLA and PLO, the case of Belfast, the Al-Qaeda movement, the
Red Army, etc to mention just a few.
the devastating role of terrorists have made the united Nations to adopt the law of wars and embarked on
other measurers aimed at controlling the menace, especially after the
September 11, 2001 attack on the
U.S and the recent terrorist attack in Great
–Britain inspite of this, the incidence
of terrorism continues unabated. Now,
let us examine the typologies of terrorism.