Holofernes: The Concept And Meaning Of Terrorism

As far back as in Biblical times, acts which would be considered as terror attacks have been carried out. In the Book of Judith, which is in the King James Version of the Bible with the Apocrypha, while Holofernes was drunk Judith beheads him (using his own sword), and puts the severed head on display. Although this action made Judith a hero in the story, it would have been considered an act of terror against the opposition, the forces of Holofernes. (bible.com n.d.) The word Terrorism and Terrorist are arguably two of the most difficult words to define in a simple book definition. So much of the concept and meaning of terrorism is defined by the person or group who is experiencing the event that it makes it very difficult to put a definition

In Chapter 1 of “Inside Terrorism” political analyst Bruce Hoffman, explains that the term “terrorism” has undergone numerous definitions over the course of history, starting with the French Revolution of 1789-94. Hoffman explains that according to the Oxford English Dictionary, terrorism can be defined basically as an act or policy enacted by a government to strike fear into those against whom the act is against, to coerce them into submission to the policies of the government. He also explains that a more helpful definition, that of a terrorist, rather than the act of terrorism, provides a better way of defining terrorism. He also explains that the term terrorist is more of a political term than a specific action. (Hoffman 2006) Sociologist Charles Tilly also mentions the French Revolution as the earliest reference to the term of terrorism. They also agree that these early references to terrorism was primarily carried out by governments as a means of oppressing those who would revolt against them. (Tilly 2004) Both authors also agree that although the roots of the term terrorist began during the late 1789s. The concept as well as the definition of terrorism has changed over time, particularly in recent years since Sept. 11, 2001. As the definition of terrorism has changed over the years, so have the methods of dealing with

It is for this very purpose that International agencies have been created, such as the United Nations, large groups of members from various countries, who primarily function to prevent violent conflict from happening through diplomatic talks. As both the concept of terrorism as well as the method of dealing with terror attacks have changed, so has the way these attacks are carried out. In his compilation of articles titled “The Routledge History of Terrorism”, Randall D. Law uses several articles describing several defined methods of terrorism most of which are much more recent, primarily due to the available technology in modern times which gives those who would bring harm to others. Modern day terrorists have much better technology. Social media, computer hacking, car bombs, and suicide bombers are just some of the more modern ways that these acts of terror are being carried out, with a much deadlier result than would have been possible in the days of Judith. Just as the definitions of terrorist and terrorism have changed over time, so have the methods of attack for these