Essay and Discussion Questions from Terrorism

Terrorism High School Questions

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Help students understand domestic and international terrorism through these essay and discussion questions.

Introduction

  1. What makes terrorism different from other forms of violence?  
  2. Why is cutting off funding for terrorism so important? Why is it so difficult?  
  3. What factors contribute to radicalization and violent extremism in the United States and other parts of the world?  
  4. How are domestic terrorism and international terrorism defined differently in U.S. law?  
  5. Has the threat from terrorism increased, decreased, or remained steady? Why do you say so? 
  6. How is media coverage part of terrorists’ strategy? Should the media cover terrorists as much as they do—or, indeed, at all? Why or why not?
  7. To what extent is terrorism an effective means for groups or individuals to achieve political objectives, and why?  
  8. Do you agree that counterterrorism policies that infringe on civil liberties are necessary and justifiable? Why or why not?  
  9. Evaluate the definitions of terrorism put forward by various departments of the U.S. government. Is there one that you think is better than the others? Why or why not? 

Confronting Terror

  1. What is the difference between counterterrorism tactics and counterterrorism strategy?  
  2. Why is cutting off funding for terrorism so important? Why is it so difficult?  
  3. How are domestic terrorism and international terrorism defined differently in U.S. law?  
  4. How successful has the United States been at combating terrorism since 9/11?  
  5. Evaluate the definitions of terrorism put forward by various departments of the U.S. government. Is there one that you think is better than the others? Why or why not? 

Extension

  1. What makes terrorism different from other forms of violence?  
  2. What factors contribute to radicalization and violent extremism in the United States and other parts of the world?  
  3. How are domestic terrorism and international terrorism defined differently in U.S. law?  
  4. Has the threat from terrorism increased, decreased, or remained steady? Why do you say so? 
  5. Do you agree that counterterrorism policies that infringe on civil liberties are necessary and justifiable? Why or why not?  
  6. Evaluate the definitions of terrorism put forward by various departments of the U.S. government. Is there one that you think is better than the others? Why or why not?