Terrorism

* 1. Politics of Representation Terrorism Index 1. Introduction 2 2. Defining ‘Terrorism’ 3 3. Understanding ‘Terrorists’ 6 Gerrits‟ Seven „Terrorists‟‟ Tactics of Publicity 8 The Role of the Media in the „Terrorist Crusade‟ 8 Violence as a Central Feature of „Terrorism‟ 9 4. The Construction of the „Terrorist Threat‟ – ‘Counterterrorism’ vs. ‘Terrorism’ / ’Terrorism’ vs. ‘Counterterrorism 10 5. Conclusion 12 6. Bibliography 14 Student – João Cotrim 1 * 2. Politics of Representation Terrorism 1. Introduction Since September 11th, 2001, the world has witnessed a radical change in the world order. Fear, anxiety, sentiments of repugnancy and hate, and, mostly, a deep sentiment of great uncertainty took their place and dominated, and still dominate, most of our daily lives. Since then, there have been much discussions and debates about the events that took place in that fatal date and consequent repercussions for the entire world. The events were classified as the worst „terrorists‟ acts, deeds that were ever seen and witnessed, much due to the role of a cultural good which has a central place in this mass-communications era – television. The power of the images of the two „hijacked‟ planes crushing against the Twin Towers and their subsequent fall, which every one of us has and will have in mind until the end of our lives, had a major part in producing all the sentiments that certainly all of us felt, at the time, and surely, still fill! The discussion about „Terrorism‟ has, thus, become part of our lives, while the media have become a central player in delivering the latest developments on this issue, and in keeping people informed and updated. One just cannot avoid it! Virtually, everyone has his personal point of view and particular way of looking at this concerning problematic, issue. That‟s why I chose this topic! It‟s a very contemporary issue and, thus, I believe it is worthy looking at it, studying and analysing it. In the next pages, then, I will focus