Start Here !
indicates recommended resource
Global Terrorism Index 2016 / Produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace
Publication accessible online.
This document is a great place to start.
CQ Researcher / In-depth Reports on Today's Issues List of CQ Researcher reports on aspects of Terrorism.
START: A National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism / This site provides extensive information including data, research, and publications.
In Library
While somewhat dated, these items still provide a good historical understanding:
Encyclopedia of Terrorism
Ref HV 6431. C65 2007
Includes a timeline of major acts of terrorism from 1946-2000
Terrorism, 1996-2001: A Chronology
Ref. HV6431 . M4992 2002
Encyclopedia of World Terrorism
Ref HV6431. E53 1997 vols.
Notable in that it was published before 9/11
Contents under Tabs
- Overview of Guide
- Official Documents on Terrorism
- Library of Congress Classification
- Library Catalogs and Discovery of Books and E-Books
- Recommended Databases
- Other Good Databases
- Terrorism-Specific Resources
- Government Resources
- Primary Sources
- Primary Sources
- Subject Sites
- Government Sites
- Terrorism and Politics
- Institutes and Organizations
- Policing/Intelligence Sites
- Laws of War/Humanitarian
- Terrorist Organizations
Overview of Guide
Terrorism may well be considered to be the single greatest concern of people throughout the world in the 21st century. Terminology varies but consistently the definitions of terrorism (see below) include the words "illegal acts", "violence," the "targeting of non-combatants," and "loss of human life," usually civilians. The context of these definitions can be understood in the context of the laws of war, in which the legality of violence as well laws related to humanitarian acts in war are defined.
We all know terrorism when we see or hear of it. The kidnapping and murder of members of the Israeli Olympic team in Munich (1972), the bombing of the Oklahoma Federal Building (1995) and at the Boston Marathon (2013), the downing of commercial aircraft such as Air India 182 (1985), Pan-Am 103 (1998), and Malaysian Air MH17 (2014), and arguably the world's single most horrific act of terrorism, the destruction of the World Trade Center and lost lives and destruction in PA and Washington, DC on 9/11 (2001) stand out among the hundreds of acts of terror that have been perpetrated. All seem beyond comprehension. Yet, the study of terrorism is essential to understanding and countering this phenomenon.
This guide was developed to offer a starting point for the study of terrorism and counter-terrorism. Please take a moment to click the tabs and review the links to become familiar with the contents. Comments, corrections, and suggestions are welcome. See the Guide Info page for contact information.
Official Definitions of Terrorism
Official United States Government definition of Terrorism:
"[An] act of terrorism, means any activity that (A) involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life that is a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or any State, or that would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States or of any State; and (B) appears to be intended (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by assassination or kidnapping."
(U.S.Code Congressional and Administrative News, 98th Congress, Second Session, 1984, Oct. 19, volume 2; par. 3077, 98 STAT. 2707)
Department of Defense Definition of Terrorism:
The unlawful use of violence or threat of violence to instill fear and coerce governments or societies. Terrorism is often motivated by religious, political, or other ideological beliefs and committed in the pursuit of goals that are usually political. See also anti-terrorism; combating terrorism; counter-terrorism; force protection condition.
(Source: JP 3-07.2)
FBI Definition of Terrorism:
The unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a Government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. (28 C.F.R. Section 0.85)
(Source: https://www.nij.gov/topics/crime/terrorism/Pages/welcome.aspx)
Definitions from the From the U.S. Code (Legal Information Institute, Cornell University Law School)
International Terrorism
(A) involve violent acts or acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State, or that would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States or of any State;
(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and