Question

(Honest question) Isn't political violence (the means of using violence to push a political agenda) basically the textbook definition of terrorism (the means of using terror and/or violence to push a political agenda)?

Answer 1

Answer:

No, let me explain.

Explanation:

Political violence is used to either a) push the power of a government on its people or b) the people are trying to make a point (whether it's good or bad).

Let's use the BLM riots and some of the violence convade there shall we? There were businesses burnt down and/or looted, people were injured and/or killed, etc. These were meant to push political agenda, actually most of the violence was portrayed by the white protestors not black, these were meant to help for the push of black justice, the abolishing of racism, and equality.

Terrorism is used to strike fear and to force people to do as the terrorists say. ISIS has done many horrible things and killed people so others would obey their commands.

While they seem to have the same meaning the values, and reasons behind political violence and terrorism are too very different things.