Research and Analysis of The Phenomenon of International Terrorism - Issues, Challenges and Weaknesses

In this article we intend to highlight some problems that must be considered within the framework of an approach aiming to comprehend the terrorist phenomenon, an investigation conducted both at a scholarly level, and a at general audience one. In the opening part we identify several difficulties that emerge from any attempt to specify the conceptual meaning of „international terrorism”. This is a concept that involves a great deal of subjectivity and is highly contested, and consequently it cannot grasp the corresponding phenomenon in a universal and objective manner, especially since a large number of actors in the international arena make use of violence in order to advance their political aims. This is why it is imperative to acknowledge the particular interests and the strategic objectives involved in any „construction” of the terrorist phenomenon. Thus we open the way for an analysis, conducted in a critical manner, of the theoretical and empirical issues raised by this approach; finally, we turn to a presentation of the contributions made by sociological research, given the need to gain a better understanding of international terrorism.