Terrorizmus

Terrorizmus is the use or threat of violence to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives by creating fear among a target population. It is typically characterized by violence against civilians or symbolic targets, and by attempts to coerce governments, institutions, or communities outside conventional armed conflict.

Etymology and scope: The term derives from the Latin terror and the suffix -izmus; in many languages including Hungarian, it denotes non-state political violence. In academic and policy debates, terrorizmus is often defined by aims, tactics, and targets rather than by the actor alone. The label can be politically charged and debated, particularly when states commit or sponsor violence.

History and forms: Modern terrorizmus emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries with anarchist, nationalist, and separatist movements, evolving to transnational networks in the late 20th and 21st centuries. Tactics include bombings, shootings, hijackings, and other attacks; contemporary forms include cyberterrorism and assassinations, with media attention designed to maximize psychological impact.

Legal and policy framework: Most international and national laws condemn terrorism as a crime. States cooperate to designate terrorist organizations, freeze assets, and prosecute acts of terror. Counterterrorism relies on intelligence, law enforcement, financial regulation, border controls, and efforts to prevent radicalization, balanced with human rights protections.

Impact and debates: Terrorizmus causes civilian casualties, displacement, and economic disruption, undermining social trust and governance. Debates concern definitional breadth, the relationship to insurgency or war, and potential overreach in security measures that affect civil liberties.

See also: counter-terrorism, international law, radicalization.