ABSTRACT
Terrorism represents a multifaceted problem and attempts to elucidate it often succumb to oversimplification and abstract generalities. As a result, despite its massive human and material destruction over recent years, there remains a profound lack of understanding around terrorism. This leads to unproductive controversies and emotionally-charged debates. This article aims to conceptualize terrorism, considering its intricate definition, causes, objectives, and manifestations. It seeks to address questions such as whether terrorism is a means to an end or an end in itself, whether the label “terrorist” is interchangeable with “freedom fighter” depending on perspective, and if terrorism can ever be morally justified. Furthermore, it probes the role of religion in modern terrorism, the relationship between state violence and terrorism, and the existence of state-sponsored terrorism. Recent literature has seen heated debates on these issues, and while there remains discordance on certain theoretical aspects, a broader academic consensus has formed around previously controversial and emotive issues.
