Terrorism is defined by the Crown Prosecution Service as the use or threat of one or more of the actions listed below, and where they are designed to influence the government, or an international governmental organisation or to intimidate the public. The use or threat must also be for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause.
The specific actions included are:
This timeline aims to demonstrate how a wide range of political, ideological and religious ideas are exploited by perpetrators of terrorist attacks. These can range from far right-wing/ left-wing groups, religious sects and cults, anarchists, nationalists, insurgent groups and more.
SINCE 9/11 has sought advice from The International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence (ICSR), attached to King’s College London, to ensure the timeline reflects a broad range of terrorist attacks, rather than focussing on particular groups or causes. The ICSR is an independent think tank that specialises in radicalisation, counter-terrorism and political violence.
The timeline highlights some of the major terrorist attacks starting with the Munich Olympic attack and is updated regularly – to give a global historical perspective on the many atrocities committed by terrorist organisations and individuals in recent times. The selection of attacks we highlight is not meant to be representative of all terrorist attacks committed in recent history. Instead it is intended as an overview of major events to give a sense of the reasons attacks occur, how they happen and responses from government and the international community.
This resource is aimed at teachers and educators. It aims to provide you with a nuanced understanding and knowledge of terrorism to support your teaching in this area. Please note that we do not recommend that young people use the timeline without supervision and support.
