Terrorism: International Consensus on Definition of Terrorism

What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of an international consensus on a definition of terrorism?

Since there is no single definition for terrorism, and the understanding of terrorist vs. criminal violence is still not well defined itself, how will terrorism be defined internationally? There are potential benefits, as there are drawbacks, of an international consensus on a definition of terrorism.

The benefits would include ratifying and enforcing treaties to eradicate terrorism with the power of world-wide support. Since many countries would support counter terrorism efforts it would be much easier to set up a task force dealing with worldly terrorist issues with branches in every supporting country. Moreover, the increase in capital and manpower in order to curtail terrorism can be reserved for a faster breakdown of terrorist groups. A consensus on the definition of terrorism will also allow for collective intelligence support with networked agencies internationally.

The drawbacks may include the perception of certain governments that may view terrorism as all violent acts committed by their political opponents (Kegley, 2003). Additionally, countries supporting anti-terrorism efforts in proximity to terrorist harboring countries may be on the brink of war if a popular consensus is reached on the term terrorism. If such a definition is supported by countries not previously involved in any terrorist conflicts their borders may be infiltrated by terrorist groups retaliating against the support of anti-terrorist efforts with Western countries as catalyst.

Defining terrorism is no easy feat. There are many interpretations of what the term terrorism means and with those interpretations debates are initiated and policies are executed. Additionally, the often misunderstood perception of a terrorist vs. a criminal makes the defining of terrorism that much harder to achieve. The international consensus on the definition of terrorism is “light years” away, in my opinion, and it is mainly due to the many problems certain nations may face when they, too, become the members of the consensus.

Reference

Kegley, C.W. (2003). The New Global Terrorism; Characteristics, Causes, Controls. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.