A systematic conceptualization of acts of terror

Acts of terror are conceptualized in a three-part franework. This framework interrelates primary factors in an act of terror: target selection, motivation, and intent. Target selection differentiates between selected and random types. Motivation deals with emotional on instrumental drive underlying the event. Intent distinguishes among those acts which are actually political in nature and those that are criminal or that derive from mental allness. The interaction of these factors leads to conclusions about the ultimate desired outcome of the act of terror. It is argued that understanding the complex, factor interaction can lead to more reasonable and effective decision malang early in an event.