The key characteristics of terrorism include the use of violence or the threat of violence against non-combatants to achieve political, ideological, or religious aims. Terrorist acts are typically designed to instill fear, create insecurity, and influence political decision-making or social change. Terrorism is often asymmetric warfare by smaller groups or individuals targeting larger, more powerful entities. The selection of targets is usually strategic to maximize fear, often focusing on civilians in public spaces or symbolic political, economic, or cultural sites. Terrorist acts are typically premeditated, conducted to gain publicity, and may involve tactics such as bombings, hijackings, or suicide attacks. Ideology plays a central role in motivating terrorism, which can be religious, political, nationalist, or revolutionary. Terrorism is unpredictable and aims to provoke overreactions by authorities, leading to political or social consequences.
