ABSTRACT
The chapter analyses the data in term of the multidimensional framework of the discourse of illusion, drawing on three interrelated components: Historicity, Linguistic and semiotic action and Social impact. Terrorism perceived as a socio-political construct is difficult to define objectively and universally; it is largely context-based. The fairly textured discourses of terrorism generating various categorisations attributable to different groups in society, rallying socio-political support, outcasting groups which breach the in-group's standards of normative behaviour, and eventually serving to sustain power structures and status quo. Terrorism was conceptualised as "savage acts of violence" which strive to "stop the advance of freedom". The creation of enemies requires the discursive process of constructing an out-group and distancing that group from the humanity of the in-group. Most studies on the discursive construction of terrorism and violence have served to strongly emphasise the importance of discourse in the representation of thoughts and ideas, values and traditions, power, prejudice, and judgement, and ultimately the world.
