Terrorism is defined as which concept?

• A. The use of force against military targets only
• B. The calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear
• C. Political protests
• D. A nonviolent civil disobedience

Answer: (B)

Terrorism is defined as the calculated use of unlawful violence or the threat of unlawful violence to incite fear and coerce governments or societies to meet a political, religious, or social objective. The emphasis is on deliberate planning, illegality, and the goal of spreading fear beyond the immediate victims to influence a wider audience. This distinguishes it from political protests or nonviolent civil disobedience, which may involve resistance or disruption but do not center on using violence or threats to terrorize people. The idea that violence is used or threatened precisely to intimidate others makes the definition specific to terrorism, rather than just combat actions against military targets.