The illegitimacy of the freedom fighter and the terrorist

Abstract

This thesis explores whether “terrorism” can be defined non-ambiguously based on objective criteria and supplemented with a rules based labeling framework and application methodology. Furthermore, this thesis asks, if it is possible that “terrorism” can be defined, and a framework of application devised, then why is it that the international community has yet to do so? Along the way, there is a discussion about the theoretical workings of any label of deviance as well as the international system for labeling “terrorism”. And, there is an exploration into Objectives Analysis and how this can help us understand whether or not the “war on terror” is making positive or negative gains towards its espoused objectives of decreasing incidences of “terrorism” while increasing global stability. This thesis then posits a definition for “terrorism” along with an application methodology. Then lastly, it applies the framework to past and present examples of groups using violence towards larger political and ideological goals.