What defines terrorism?

The definition of terrorism centers on unlawful acts that are intended to instill fear or intimidation in a population for political or ideological purposes. The correct choice emphasizes the application of unlawful force against individuals or property, which aligns with how terrorism is generally characterized within the context of law and international relations.

Terrorism typically involves actions that are not only illegal but that also aim to undermine societal stability and can lead to widespread panic or fear within communities. The unlawful nature of these actions differentiates terrorism from other forms of violence.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of terrorism accurately. Legal use of violence for social change suggests that the violence is permitted under some legal framework, which does not align with the concept of terrorism. Government-sanctioned violence may refer to legitimate state actions, such as military operations, which are not classified as terrorism. Non-violent protest explicitly excludes violence, making it fundamentally different from terrorist acts. Thus, the characterization of terrorism as unlawful force against persons or property is integral to its understanding and emphasizes its threat to society.