The Terrorist -tactic Contradiction: Academic Disjuncture Between Terrorism and Terrorist Tactics

Abstract

The pejorative connotation of the term terrorism and the never-ending debate on its definition has prompted many commentators in the field of terrorism studies and political violence to use the term ‘terrorist tactics’ in place of terrorism. This practice has resulted in a semantic severing of terrorism and terrorist tactics, with the latter acquiring a relatively milder tone. Thus, where most scholars were hesitant to use the word terrorism because of its emotive overtone and pejorative connotation, they have instead started using the word terrorist tactics to describe the activities of a range of actors like guerillas, insurgents, militants and even criminals. In the midst of all this it has become exceedingly difficult to point out who the terrorist is, as using terrorist tactics alone does not necessarily make one terrorist. Such a practice creates confusion as it contradicts the semantic and epistemological basis of the term. This paper will examine this academic disjuncture between terrorism and terrorist tactics- the reasons for it and how it is unhealthily contributing towards theoretical and conceptual ambiguity in the field of terrorism studies. Addressing this problem will immensely contribute to greater conceptual clarity in the terrorism discourse.