Different types of terrorism
Pennsylvanian residents may not be aware of this, but there are distinct classes for different types of behavior or actions that could be considered terrorism. This can be important to know, since anyone can end up facing charges for terrorism, even if they aren’t terrorists.
The Crime Museum takes a look at different types of terrorism, some of which may not be expected. They include:
- Political terrorism
- Non-political terrorism
- Civil disorder
- Limited political terrorism
- State terrorism
- Quasi terrorism
Political and limited political terrorism are related to actions meant to either overthrow a faction, or to make a statement against another party. Non-political terrorism covers anything motivated by means beyond the political, such as religion. State terrorism usually involves movements against a government trying to get results for action against another country.
Quasi-terrorism is a case in which similar tactics are used, but terrorism is not the end goal. For example, someone running from the law and taking a hostage could fall under this category.
Eastern Kentucky University also lists criminal terrorism, in which these tactics are used for criminal profit and crime. Organized crime units will often fall under this category. They also discuss dissent terrorism, and state-sponsored terrorism. These two are effectively the opposites of one another, with dissent being terroristic acts intended to take down a government and state-sponsored being these acts consented to by the leading party.
Certain categories of terrorism – quasi-terrorism and criminal terrorism in particular – are not often lumped in with the rest when people think of something typically terroristic. That’s why it is so important for people to know about them, as even average citizens with no intention to terrorize can end up facing such charges.
