Which of the following is NOT a criterion of the Terrorism Triangle?

• A. Federal violation
• B. Social or political goals
• C. Public safety improvement
• D. Force or violence

Answer: (C)

The Terrorism Triangle hinges on three elements that define why and how terrorist acts occur: a political or social objective, the use or threat of force or violence to pursue that objective, and the aim to spread fear or influence a broader audience beyond the immediate incident. Public safety improvement is not something terrorists seek to achieve; it would not describe their intent or the outcome they’re aiming for. Legal consequences like a federal violation describe what happens after the act, not the defining traits of the act itself. The other elements—pursuing political or social change and using violence to push that goal—are the core parts of the triangle, so the option about public safety improvement is not a criterion.