Domestic terrorism

Domestic terrorism is the commission of terrorist attacks in a state by forces inside or originating from that state, as opposed to terrorist attacks by forces external to the state. Examples of domestic terrorist attacks include the Oklahoma City bombing, the pipebombing during the Atlanta Olympics, and the Sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway. Historical examples include the Gunpowder Plot, the Haymarket Square bombing, the Watts Riots, and Harper's Ferry.

Domestic terrorism is generally unexpected: when a terrorist attack occurs, often the first reaction is to presume that it was committed by foreigners. That presumption was made in the case of the Oklahoma City bombing. The revelation that the attack was actually committed by white American neo-nazis was a shock to the people of the United States and served as an embarrassment to the United States media.

It is of notable interest to consider the political expediency of declaring violent actions to be terrorism. Throughout history many actions against the existing establishment have been, in their day, considered terrorism. History has in some cases judged them differently. While most people disapprove of acts of violence against civilians, others have concluded that human history shows that violence is sometimes the only means to effect change.

Compare with:

• International terrorism
• Politically motivated violence

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