CJ 310 Module One Journal (Course Hero Upload)

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Running head:Module Five Journal 1 Module One Journal Southern New Hampshire University CJ-310-R4553 Intro Homeland Sec/Counterterr 24EW4

Module Five Journal 2 Module One Journal Terrorism can take many shapes and forms, which may prove to be difficult to define, yet even more difficult to combat; however, due to the complexity of the multifaceted phenomenon involving the use of terrorism, terrorism can manifest itself in various ways and forms. In terms of defining terrorism, some scholars argue that certain elements of terrorism must be present to truly develop a comprehensive understanding of terrorism. Some of these elements of terrorism consist of the harm caused, the purpose of the act, the presence of men’s rea (guilty mind), and the jurisdiction surrounding the act (Matthew J., 2015). However, due to the convoluted nature of how terrorism can and should be defined, we will examine two key definitions of terrorism and explain their differences. Describe two different definitions of terrorism you encountered in your readings from the resource section: According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), there are two forms of terrorism, international and domestic (Federal Bureau of Investigation, n.d.). International terrorism entails the perpetration of violent and unlawful actions by individuals or collectives influenced by recognized foreign entities that are tied to foreign governments. Domestic terrorism, on the other hand, encompasses the execution of violent and unlawful acts by individuals or collectives that are driven by ideological motives, originating from within the nation. However, it is important to examine the differences between international and domestic terrorism to fully understand how these forms of terrorism can be identified. For example, international terrorism involves the use of violent or life-threatening acts that contravene the legal statutes of the United States or any state, and that may transcend the borders and boundaries of the U.S. (United States Congress, 2009). Conversely, domestic terrorism occurs within the territorial confines of the United States. Therefore, one difference between the two lies

Module Five Journal 3 with jurisdiction, while the other difference lies in each’s agenda. Moreover, in terms of determining which definition fits terrorism the best, there is no definite answer. The reason for this is that terrorism can take many forms, for example, groups such as the Ku Klux Klan have been labeled and identified as a terrorist group, expressing racial terrorism through acts of violence and extremism (Martin, 2019). Therefore, there is no definition that better explains terrorism due to differentiating contextual information. What are the potential problems with having multiple definitions of terrorism: Furthermore, issues arise when multiple definitions of terrorism occur, impacting criminal justice professionals’ abilities to identify terrorists. More specifically, the diplomatic dimension of counterterrorism that involves the persuasion of foreign governments to cooperate on issues such as the sharing of intelligence and apprehending terrorists can be complicated both domestically and internationally (Martin, 2011). Much of this complication can be due to a lack of reliable information and ineffective communication amongst intelligence agencies, which can further be attributed to differing definitions and interpretations of terrorism. Moreover, differences in definitions of terrorism may impact government agencies, more specifically, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For example, in a memorandum by DHS, terminology to avoid would be terms that link religion to terrorism itself, more specifically, terms such as “Islamic terrorist” or “Islamist” (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2008). Therefore, if government agencies, such as DHS, were to develop such definitions of terrorism that differentiate on such a skewed scale, this could potentially result in inadequacies and deficiencies in investigations, intelligence gathering, international relations, and policing. Lastly, the benefits of having a single definition of terrorism may result in the successful prosecutions of terrorists, the enhancement of coordination efforts, enhanced communication amongst agencies, and effective counterterrorism

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Module Five Journal 4 measures. In my own words, terrorism would be defined as, “A criminal act based on extreme ideologies or beliefs, with intent to cause significant harm or damage to persons or property thereof, both domestically and internationally, including the targeting of the United States governmental interests through the use of violence, coercion, or the use of threats, with or without an agenda.”

Module Five Journal 5 References: Matthew J. (2015). Establishing a Comprehensive Definition of TERRORISM . Retrieved from: https://web-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=a84d0c1e-91b2- 42ca-9578-986a330fc22e %40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=a9h&AN=109454025 Federal Bureau of Investigation. (N.d.). Terrorism . Retrieved from: https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/terrorism United States Congress. (2009). 18 U.S. Code § 2331 – Definitions . Retrieved from: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2009-title18/html/USCODE-2009-title18-partI- chap113B-sec2331.htm Martin. (2019). Understanding Homeland Security . Retrieved from: Martin. (2011). Counterterrorism . Retrieved from: https://sk-sagepub-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/reference/terrorism2ed/n98.xml U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2008). Terminology To Define The Terrorists: Recommendations From American Muslims . [PDF]. Retrieved from: https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/dhs_crcl_terminology_08-1- 08_accessible.pdf

CJ 310 Module One Journal (Course Hero Upload)

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