This book explores whether terrorism can be defined non-ambiguously based on objective criteria and supplemented with a rules based labeling framework and application methodology. Furthermore, this book asks, if it is possible that terrorism can be defined, and a framework of application devised, then why is it that the international community has yet to do so? Along the way, there is a discussion about the theoretical workings of any label of deviance as well as the international system for labeling terrorism. And, there is an exploration into Objectives Analysis and how this can help us understand whether or not the war on terror is making positive or negative gains towards its espoused objectives of decreasing incidences of terrorism while increasing global stability. This book then posits a definition for terrorism along with an application methodology. Then lastly, it applies the framework to past and present examples of groups using violence towards larger political and ideological goals.

Born in the US I have lived away from the states for 8 years. I served in the Peace Corps and have lived in Central Asia, Lebanon, India, Norway, Portugal and Italy. My undergraduate degree is in Photo and Anthro, Masters in International Development. I am currently working on a PHD at the University of Bologna in Italy.