Terrorism

Defining Terrorism
The definition of the Air Force of terrorism is strongly expressed with the words premeditated, violence, perpetrated against non-combatant targets, by sub-national groups or clandestine state agents and intended to influence an audience beyond the immediate victims (Heffron-Casserleigh & Merrick). Premeditation is important in an act of violence for it to be considered terrorism because it shows a deliberate and meticulous planning of the action. Such express a strong motivation in the completion of the plans such as hatred and want for power. Violence is perhaps a word synonymous to terrorism because this is the feature of an act that should be present for it to be called so. It is probably the sole means of attaining the goal of instilling fear in the targeted group/s of people that is why it is an important part in the definition of the word.
Another essential aspect of terrorism is the doers of the action who are specified to be sub-national groups or clandestine state agents. Terrorism often demands the involvement of high powered weapons which are not easily accessible. Therefore, terrorists often come in groups with members who are quite skilled in weapon-making for them to be able to produce their own ammunitions for the accomplishment of their plans. If there are perpetrators, there are victims and often, they are the non-combatant civilians. This aspect makes them unsuspecting but vulnerable so that they become easy targets. In addition, the majority of citizens are non-combatant and to the terrorist, the more the victims are, the stronger they are able to send their serious messages to the people concerned. In this feature, it is seen that the violence is not really intended for the victims but for the people who have the power to act on their grievances like politicians or armed soldiers. The inclusion and consideration of these important aspects of terrorism make this definition complete and strong.
Nevertheless, there could be some limitations in the definition of the Air Force. It claims that terrorism is a politically motivated violence. This seems to limit the act to such motivation only even though there could be other strong motivations that could affect violent attacks like religion. If a religious group uses violence to intimidate another religious group, plans the attack meticulously that the message is clearly sent to leaders of that certain group who are not at all politically involved or connected. The motivation could be religious differences, hatred or revenge. Thus, the act portrays most of the defining aspects of terrorism except the political motivation. This then will not be considered terrorism according to the definition because it did not meet one important part of the definition. Although sub-national groups include religious groups, it is understood from the definition that even if the perpetrators are a religious group, their motivation should still be political and not religious. Moreover, if the action satisfies all the important features of terrorism but the perpetrators plan to destroy military groups to show how strong their power and influence are to their intended audience, according to the definition; this would not be considered terrorism, assuming that all the features in the definition all have to be met to be accounted so. The military may be equipped and trained but they are not invincible. They could also become the targeted victims for the terrorist to either show off their power or to sabotage the defense of their enemies. Otherwise, their act of violence will not be considered terrorism. These aspects make the definition weak and debatable.
Reference
Heffron- Casserleigh, Audrey & Merrick, David. (n. d.). Intro to Terrorism: Preparedness andResponse.