Discuss the definition of terrorism and the two major types of Essay

Discuss the definition of terrorism and the two major types of terrorism outlined in our textbook - Essay Example According to Schmalleger, terrorism can be mainly divided into two types, namely domestic terrorism and international terrorism (Schmalleger). According to the Unites States Department of Justice domestic terrorism is â€Å"The unlawful use of force or violence, committed by a group(s) of two or more individuals, against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.† (Presley). Terrorism which is practiced in one’s own country against own people is known as domestic terrorism (Domestic Terrorism). This type of terrorism takes place through groups or individuals operating entirely within the U.S. aiming to influence the U.S. government or population to affect political or social amendment by conducting criminal action (Maehr). The activities of international terrorists on the other hand cross national boundaries. The distinction between domestic and internationa l terrorism does not refer to where the terrorist act takes place (Emergency Training: Terrorism). Instead, it refers to the origin of the individuals or groups responsible for it (Emergency Training: Terrorism). On April 30, 2001, the US State Department agreed that the distinction between domestic and international terrorism was getting blurred (Raman). It goes without saying that there is hardly any terrorist organization in today’s world which does not have international networking (Raman). â€Å"Sometimes the networking is with the diasporas; sometimes with like-minded terrorist groups or non-State actors or mercenaries in other countries; sometimes with State actors, who want to use them to achieve their own strategic objectives (Raman). Domestic terrorism is considered as a crime which should be treated as a criminal matter whereas international terrorism is both a crime and a matter