How is terrorism defined?

Terrorism is defined as the unlawful use of force and violence to coerce or intimidate a government or society, often for political or ideological purposes. This definition encompasses the essential elements that distinguish terrorism from other forms of violence; specifically, it emphasizes the unlawful nature of the acts and the intent to instill fear or manipulate a target group or population. The actions are typically aimed at achieving broader goals, such as political change, although they involve direct threats to individuals or communities.

The notion of coercion is critical here, as terrorism seeks to compel individuals, groups, or governments to act in accordance with the terrorist's demands, often causing widespread fear and disruption. This distinction highlights the organized and intentional strategies that underpin terrorist actions, reflecting their broader societal implications rather than isolated incidents of violence.

In contrast, options referring to personal gain or acts of war do not adequately capture the complexities of terrorism, as they either miss the underlying political motivation or suggest more traditional warfare scenarios that lack the specific characteristics of terrorist acts. Additionally, a political campaign using protests does not inherently involve the use of violence or the intent to instill fear, which are core aspects of terrorism.