ABSTRACT
The term “terrorism” has been used to describe violent political acts carried out by informal, illegal, and private groups. In recent years a number of analysts have criticized this approach, arguing that acts carried out by governments or security forces should also be included. Some claim that governments have often resorted to terrorism, employing the same fear-inducing methods as illegal, revolutionary groups. In reality, both government and nongovernment violence has intimidated and terrorized civilian populations.
