FIND OUT MORE. New World Order 314–315 • Political World 216–217
If a group feels it cannot achieve its goals under the normal rules
of a nation or of international politics, it may resort to terrorism.
Terrorists use or threaten violence to make their demands. Some
groups target only political enemies, others target anybody.
HOW IS TERRORISM SET APART FROM WARFARE?
Terrorism has been around since the Jewish Zealots in
the 1st century CE. Today, it can be difficult to separate
terrorism from other forms of warfare. Guerilla fighters,
small bands who attack larger armies, often use
terrorist tactics. Governments may also use illegal
violence as part of their secret service operations.
HOW DO WARS END?
Wars between nations end when the leaders of one
side agree to surrender to prevent further destruction.
Wars also end when leaders perceive there is a
military stalemate, or when they are threatened with
revolt from below by their disaffected people.
1 TERROR AGAINST TERROR
The use of terrorist tactics – surprise, boldness, and a willingness to
target the innocent – is becoming increasingly common in conflicts
across the globe. These Amal fighters (a Syrian-backed militia) are
launching missiles into a refugee camp in Lebanon, trying to
target a Palestinian terror group hiding there. Thousands of
refugees with no links to terrorism have died in such attacks.1 ARMED PROFESSIONALS
Nations at war rely on their armed forces – army,
navy, and airforce – to fight the opposing side. Some
nations, such as the USA or UK, employ professional
full-time soldiers. Others, such as China or Israel, rely
on conscription, or forced service.
1 WEAPONS OF WAR
Expensive, state-of-the-art military equipment allows
wealthy nations to engage in warfare far from their
own borders. This Typhoon class Russian submarine is
the world’s largest underwater vessel. It is 170 m
(558 ft) long and holds 150 crew.TERRORISM
War
When nations fail to settle their arguments by peaceful
means, they often turn to war, or the use of armed
conflict. War is also caused by some states pursuing
a policy of active imperial conquest. Civil war is war
between people within a nation. It can happen when
political or ethnic differences become too great.
DO WARS HAVE RULES?
Henri Dunant founded the Red Cross as a medical
service to care for the war wounded. In 1864, the
first Geneva Convention was signed, guaranteeing
their protection. Later treaties attempted to minimize
the suffering of war and to ensure that prisoners
and civilians are treated with respect. Groups using
. TERRORISM to reach their goal do not obey rules.
war