State terrorism

State terrorism is a controversial concept that is without a clear definition (see below). Depending on definition it can include acts of violence or repressions perpetrated by a national government or its proxy. Whether a particular act is described as "terrorism" may depend on whether the speaker considers the action justified or necessary, or whether it is carried out as part of an armed conflict. It may also depend on whether the speaker supports the government in question.

Confines and definition

State terrorism, like terrorism, is controversial and there is no general accepted definition. Often acts that critics describe as terror, supporters defend as legitimate defense against perceived threats. Many contend that during an armed conflict states cannot commit acts of terror if the actions of their armed forces are within the laws of war.

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The distinction between state and nonstate terror has been criticized as distracting from or justifying state terrorism (Chomsky and Herman, 1979). Some, such as Spanish judge Baltasar Garzón, view particular political systems as instances of state terrorism: "State terrorism is a political system whose rule of recognition permits and/or imposes a clandestine, unpredictable, and diffuse application, even regarding clearly innocent people, of coercive means prohibited by the proclaimed judicial ordinance." Some acts of state terrorism also qualify as genocide, crimes against humanity or mass murder.

Related Topics:
Chomsky - Herman - 1979 - Spanish - Baltasar Garzón - Political system - Genocide - Crimes against humanity - Mass murder

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