Domestic Terrorism vs. International Terrorism - Assignment Example

Terrorism Number Discussion Question Introduction While terrorism is simply defined as the systematic use of violence and kidnapping as instruments of coercion and perpetration of fear, in order to achieve religious, ideological and political goals, terrorism mainly targets and disregards the safety of civilians. It is also important to note that terrorism is divisible between domestic and international terrorism. On the one hand, domestic terrorism refers to terrorist activities that are directed at a local population or elements of the local (or national) government, without the involvement of foreign efforts or input.

On the other hand, international terrorism involves individuals or groups whose terrorist activities surpass national boundaries. Both domestic and international terrorism pose serious threat to the US. While a casual observer will readily point that domestic terrorism is more lethal because of its immediate proximity to the US population and government, a critical consideration of the matter reveals that international terrorism is equally ruthless since it targets US interests, allies and government (Huddy and Feldman, 2011).

Evaluation Criteria for Discussion Question Response The insistence on domestic terrorism as a more formidable threat is premised on the wrong assumption that the US government is confined to the United States frontiers, while the truth of the matter is that the executive arm of the US government extends to ally states, chiefly inform of embassies, consulates and commercial attaches. Besides, courtesy of globalisation, the US population and interests are spread out globally, even as international terrorism targets US interests, allies and population.

Discussion Question 2 Definition of Terrorism A forensic psychology professional would define terrorism as the use of violence or force on civilian population or property, to instill fear, in order to gain the perpetrator with symbolic or psychological gain. The aspect of psychological gain in this case is brought about by political, religious or ideological persuasions being deeply embedded into the perpetrator’s psyche. The role of the forensic psychology professional in fighting terrorism is very pervasive and important because terrorism and the response towards it begin with human psychology.

Psychology professionals will for instance direct government officials in striking the balance between disseminating information on terrorism-related threats to the public and avoiding the threat of compromising national security. It is against this backdrop that the FBI Academy, the American Psychological Association (APA) and the University of Pennsylvania’s Solomon Asch Center put efforts together and co-sponsored the educational drive and meeting titled, Countering terrorism: integration of practice and theory (Laufer, Solomon and Levine, 2010).

Evaluation Criteria for Discussion Question Response It is professional psychologists who help determine the extent to which a person may be regarded as a risk. The import of this is seen in the determination of which information or websites can be left to be accessible over the Internet, and the ones that should be struck down because they aid the cause of terrorism. This goes a long way in predicting and anticipating future attacks. References Huddy, L. & Feldman, S. (2011). Americans respond politically to 9/11: Understanding the Impact of the Terrorist Attacks and Their Aftermath.

American Psychologist: Special issue: 9/11: Ten Years Later, 66 (6), 455-467.Laufer, A. Solomon, Z. & Levine, S. Z. (2010). Elaboration on posttraumatic growth in youth exposed to terror: the role of religiosity and political ideology. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 45 (6), 647-53