Publication
Title
The challenges of conceptualizing terrorism
Author
Abstract
This analysis begins by exploring various reasons that the concept of terrorism has evaded a widely agreed upon definition for so long despite the efforts of so many writers. Emphasis is placed on the difficulties associated with all "essentially contested concepts." In addition, the investigation calls attention to such problems as conceptual "stretching" and "traveling." In an effort to solve the difficulties, the inquiry, attempts to determine a consensus definition of terrorism by turning to art empirical analysis of how the term has been employed by academics over the years. Specifically. the well-known definition developed by, Alex Schmid, based upon responses to a questionnaire he circulated in 1985, is compared with the way the concept has been employed by contributors to the major Journals in the field Terrorism. Studies in Conflict and Terrorism. and Terrorism and Political Violence. The 22 "definitional elements" of which Schmid's definition is composed are compared to the frequency with which they appear in the professional journals If these elements appear frequently in both the Schmid definition and those employed by the journal contributors, they are then used to form a consensus definition of the concept. The most striking feature of this academic consensus over the meaning of terrorism is the virtual absence of references to the psychological element, heretofore widely thought to be at the heart of the concept.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Terrorism and political violence. - London
Publication
London : 2004
ISSN
0954-6553
DOI
10.1080/095465590899768
Volume/pages
16 :4 (2004) , p. 777-794
ISI
000226331200005
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Law 
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 03.01.2013
Last edited 26.01.2023
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